undefined

[ uhn-di-fahynd ]

adjective

1. without fixed limits; indefinite in form, extent, or application:

   undefined authority; undefined feelings of sadness.

2. not given meaning or significance, as by a definition; not defined or explained:

   an undefined term.

undefined

/ ˌʌndɪˈfaɪnd /

adjective

1. not defined or made clear

   the job has remained undefined

Derived Forms

• ˌundeˈfinable, adjective

Other Words From

• un·de·fin·ed·ly [uhn-di-, fahy, -nid-lee, -, fahynd, -], adverb
• unde·fined·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of undefined¹

First recorded in 1605–15; un- ¹ + define ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

Left undefined is exactly when in the shaping process a piece of metal or plastic makes the transition from legal to illegal.

From Voice of San Diego

Previously when those things had come up, the market was so undefined and so new, we just wanted to see where it went.

From TechCrunch

I’m interested in transitional, undefined territory, and I think that is an older person’s game.

From Washington Post

He is a valuable depth arm in that he provides both roster flexibility and plenty of experience in an undefined role.

From Washington Post

With the start of each school year, he began dropping a lot of weight, suffering from a general undefined anxiety.

From Ozy

At the federal level, much remains undefined defined: What would be the basis for quarantining individuals?

From The Daily Beast

Now she is preparing to take an as of yet undefined role with Ready for Warren.

From The Daily Beast

They are in pain from hunger, cold, and a host of undefined medical conditions.

From The Daily Beast

He said Planned Parenthood is currently studying the bill and that some of the language is “undefined.”

From The Daily Beast

Instead he left the door open to an undefined role in public life after a period of rest.

From The Daily Beast

Through all these rapid visions there ran an undefined, uneasy consciousness of pain, which wearied and tormented him incessantly.

From Project Gutenberg

Again he hesitated, and for some undefined reason Jacinth's heart began to beat faster.

From Project Gutenberg

But what encouragement, what support, what consolation can be imparted to the mind from these undefined and undefinable shadows?

From Project Gutenberg

But it may probably be better to leave the whole time undefined, to be regulated by the honorable secretary of war.

From Project Gutenberg

A hint, a suggestion, an undefined delicacy of expression, teaches more than we gather from volumes of less gifted men.'

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ambiguous
• fuzzy
• unclear