open-ended

American  

[oh-puhn-en-did] / ˈoʊ pənˈɛn dɪd /

adjective

1. not having fixed limits; unrestricted; broad.

   an open-ended discussion.

2. allowing for future changes, revisions, or additions.

   open-ended agreements.

3. having no fixed answer.

   an open-ended question.

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open-ended British  

adjective

1. without definite limits, as of duration or amount

   an open-ended contract

2. denoting a question, esp one on a questionnaire, that cannot be answered "yes", "no", or "don't know"

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Other Word Forms

• open-endedness noun

Etymology

Origin of open-ended

First recorded in 1815–25; open + end ¹ + -ed ³

Example Sentences

The co-stars discuss their new Prime Video psychological thriller series based on Michelle Frances’ book, why it felt cathartic to channel anger and the open-ended finale.

From Los Angeles Times

On the podcast, Nick said that some people interpreted the ending to mean that the son gets sober, but then noted that the story is left open-ended.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Our study was set up to be open-ended about the target surface molecules on senescent cells. The beauty of this approach is that we let the aptamers choose the molecules to bind to."

From Science Daily

The debate, pitting concerns over persistently high inflation against rising downside risks to the labor market, showed the lack of consensus and open-ended policy outlook facing the central bank in the coming year.

From Barron's

The debate, pitting concerns over persistently high inflation against rising downside risks to the labor market, showed the lack of consensus and open-ended policy outlook facing the central bank in the coming year.

From Barron's

Related Words

• unlimited
• unrestricted