indefinite
Americanadjective
-
not definite; without fixed or specified limit; unlimited.
an indefinite number.
- Synonyms:
- indeterminate, unspecified
- Antonyms:
- determinate
-
not clearly defined or determined; not precise or exact.
an indefinite boundary; an indefinite date in the future.
- Antonyms:
- specific, clear, determinate
-
Grammar.
-
Botany.
-
very numerous or not easily counted, as stamens.
-
(of an inflorescence) indeterminate.
-
adjective
-
not certain or determined; unsettled
-
without exact limits; indeterminate
an indefinite number
-
vague, evasive, or unclear
-
Also: indeterminate. botany
-
too numerous to count
indefinite stamens
-
capable of continued growth at the tip of the stem, which does not terminate in a flower
an indefinite inflorescence
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Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of indefinite
From the Latin word indēfīnītus, dating back to 1520–30. See in- 3, definite
Explanation
The adjective indefinite describes something that is vague or not clearly defined: “After injuring her knee in a riding accident, Gloria postponed her vacation for an indefinite period of time.” You’ve probably noticed that a big chunk of the word indefinite is made up of a familiar word, definite — which means “specific” or “clearly defined.” The two words have common origins in the Latin word definitus (“definite”), but indefinite’s in- prefix gives the word the opposite meaning — "not clearly defined". Indefinite, wonderfully vague and undefined, is your friend for those times when your plans are up in the air (“indefinite plans”) or you don’t want to be pinned down to any particular timeframe (“on indefinite hiatus”).
Vocabulary lists containing indefinite
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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"CLEP Financial Accounting," Vocabulary from Chapter 16
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Means to an End: Fin
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It doesn’t inherently require large-scale occupation or indefinite responsibility for political outcomes.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026
While I am grateful she has had the financial cushion to step back, I worry that this chapter has drifted into something more indefinite.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026
In announcing an indefinite extension to the cease-fire with Iran Tuesday, Trump said External link that the U.S. blockade would remain in place.
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026
Yes, the Lakers are beginning this tournament seriously hampered by the indefinite absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026
He would earn the right with a spectacular feat of research, but to his misfortune it would not, alas, be indefinite.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
