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

Approving an open-ended moratorium "will deliver stability and predictability for all traders", while showing that the WTO can deliver results, said Joseph Barloon, the US ambassador to the organisation.

From Barron's

Razi Marshall, a 19-year-old business student at the University of Southern California and a member of the Young Republicans, said the war could become a costly and open-ended intervention.

From Barron's

“But broad-based and open-ended measures may add excessively to demand and strengthen the pass-through.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Users can ask open-ended questions and request multiple options from AI to avoid reinforcing their own instincts.

From The Wall Street Journal

The work stoppage, if it happens, would be an open-ended strike that could last until an agreement is reached.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• unlimited
• unrestricted