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
- indefinitely adverb
- indefiniteness noun
Etymology
Origin of indefinite
From the Latin word indēfīnītus, dating back to 1520–30. See in- 3, definite
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.
The England defender has shown just how valuable he is at a time when Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined for an indefinite period with a back injury, with no immediate sign of return.
From BBC
On Feb. 16, the administration of Dearborn Public Schools in Michigan announced an indefinite pause on business with Lifetouch, citing an “abundance of caution.”
Taxi drivers in the greater Athens area have threatened to launch an indefinite strike in the near future if their demands are not met.
From Barron's
Defence barristers in Northern Ireland began an indefinite strike last month in a long-running dispute over the level of legal aid fees they receive.
From BBC
This is what happens when the adaptive systems we call on for short-term survival are tapped for an indefinite stretch.
From Salon
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.
