indefinite

American  

[in-def-uh-nit] / ɪnˈdɛf ə nɪt /

adjective

1. not definite; without fixed or specified limit; unlimited.

   an indefinite number.

   Synonyms:

   indeterminate, unspecified

   Antonyms:

   determinate

2. not clearly defined or determined; not precise or exact.

   an indefinite boundary; an indefinite date in the future.

   Synonyms:

   uncertain, vague, confusing, indistinct, inexact, imprecise

   Antonyms:

   specific, clear, determinate

3. Grammar.

   1. indefinite article.

   2. indefinite pronoun.

4. Botany.

   1. very numerous or not easily counted, as stamens.

   2. (of an inflorescence) indeterminate.

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indefinite British  

/ ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt /

adjective

1. not certain or determined; unsettled

2. without exact limits; indeterminate

   an indefinite number

3. vague, evasive, or unclear

4. Also: indeterminate.  botany

   1. too numerous to count

      indefinite stamens

   2. 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

• indefinitely adverb
• indefiniteness noun

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”).

Example Sentences

In 2023 an 18-year-old British hacker called Arion Kurtaj was given an indefinite hospital order after hacking into the company and stealing data, source code and video clips of the unfinished GTA 6 game.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

The Lakers need to say the same thing to Reaves, who they’re going to give a boatload of money this summer to be their No. 2 star for the indefinite future.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Yet this scene, too, is ultimately reconfigured in surprising ways, leaving its meanings bracingly indefinite.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Embassy, and the consular officer told him his visa application was on indefinite hold.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Other instruments may be a mix of absolute and indefinite ranges.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Related Words

• infinite
• undefined
• undetermined
• unlimited