indefinite

[in-def-uh-nit]

See more synonyms for indefinite on Thesaurus.com

adjective

not definite; without fixed or specified limit; unlimited: an indefinite number.
not clearly defined or determined; not precise or exact: an indefinite boundary; an indefinite date in the future.
Grammar.
1. indefinite article.
2. indefinite pronoun.

Botany.
1. very numerous or not easily counted, as stamens.
2. (of an inflorescence) indeterminate.

Origin of indefinite

From the Latin word indēfīnītus, dating back to 1520–30. See in-³, definite

Related formsin·def·i·nite·ly, adverbin·def·i·nite·ness, noun

Synonyms for indefinite

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1. unspecified; indeterminate. 2. imprecise, inexact, indistinct, confusing, vague, uncertain.

Antonyms for indefinite

1, 2. determinate. 2. clear, specific.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for indefinite

undetermined, infinite, unlimited, undefined, broad, confused, doubtful, dubious, equivocal, evasive, general, ill-defined, indeterminate, indistinct, inexact, inexhaustible, innumerable, intangible, loose, obscure

Examples from the Web for indefinite

Contemporary Examples of indefinite

But that these calls are now on hold for the indefinite future, due to their lack of progress and frustration on both sides.
Exclusive: Putin Halts All Talks With White House
Josh Rogin
April 25, 2014
During the trip, McCain shared his insights with Feinstein and McDonough about the true nature of indefinite detention.
Congress Cooperates, Obama Pushes Hard, and Closing Gitmo Has a Chance
Daniel Klaidman
December 12, 2013
Now we are told U.S. troops will remain for an indefinite time helping to train Afghan forces.
Hope Isn’t Enough: Without Conviction or Destination, Obama Flounders
Stuart Stevens
July 19, 2013
But many of the Brotherhood leaders have been placed on an indefinite travel ban.
Coup by Acclamation?
Hussein Ibish
July 4, 2013
Unless something major changes in the price of renewables, I expect that pattern to continue for the indefinite future.
What Are We Going to Do About Carbon?
Megan McArdle
June 25, 2013

Historical Examples of indefinite

She was beginning to inspire him with an indefinite uneasiness.
The Secret Agent
Joseph Conrad
After an indefinite pause, she asked, "Shall you be going to St. Johnswort?"
Questionable Shapes
William Dean Howells
I attempted to pacify her by an indefinite reply to her inquiries, but in vain.
Theresa Marchmont
Mrs Charles Gore
The Grand Plan was ambitious, indefinite, but they could not give it up.
Four Girls and a Compact
Annie Hamilton Donnell
It put a name to that gnawing, indefinite feeling she had been too intent to own.
The Innocent Adventuress
Mary Hastings Bradley

British Dictionary definitions for indefinite

indefinite

adjective

not certain or determined; unsettled
without exact limits; indeterminatean indefinite number
vague, evasive, or unclear
Also: indeterminate botany
1. too numerous to countindefinite stamens
2. capable of continued growth at the tip of the stem, which does not terminate in a floweran indefinite inflorescence

Derived Formsindefiniteness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for indefinite

adj.

early 15c. (implied in indefinitely), from Latin indefinitus, from in- "not, opposite of, without" (see in- (1)) + definitus, past participle of definire (see define).