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 • Mar. 27, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

“You have to ask open-ended questions and be vulnerable. That opens the door for them to be vulnerable back.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

By focusing solely on Yakov’s death yet hinting at the disappearances of other boys, he had left the article open-ended like a penny dreadful.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Related Words

• unlimited
• unrestricted