indefinite

[ in-def-uh-nit ]

adjective

1. not definite; without fixed or specified limit; unlimited:

   an indefinite number.

   Synonyms: unspecified, indeterminate

   Antonyms: determinate

2. not clearly defined or determined; not precise or exact:

   an indefinite boundary; an indefinite date in the future.

   Synonyms: uncertain, vague, confusing, indistinct, inexact, imprecise

   Antonyms: specific, clear, determinate

3. Grammar.
   1. indefinite article.
   2. indefinite pronoun.
4. Botany.
   1. very numerous or not easily counted, as stamens.
   2. (of an inflorescence) indeterminate.

indefinite

/ ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt /

adjective

1. not certain or determined; unsettled
2. without exact limits; indeterminate

   an indefinite number

3. vague, evasive, or unclear
4. Alsoindeterminate botany
   1. too numerous to count

      indefinite stamens

   2. capable of continued growth at the tip of the stem, which does not terminate in a flower

      an indefinite inflorescence

Derived Forms

• inˈdefiniteness, noun

Other Words From

• in·defi·nite·ly adverb
• in·defi·nite·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indefinite¹

From the Latin word indēfīnītus, dating back to 1520–30. See in- ³, definite

Example Sentences

The mother of a prisoner, who is still in jail 18 years after being given a "cruel and unjust" indefinite prison term, is calling for MPs to back a bill to resentence all 2,734 prisoners in his situation who are still behind bars.

From BBC

In the name of national security, President George W. Bush issued an order that authorized the indefinite detention of prisoners in what quickly came to be known as the Global War on Terror.

From Salon

After 9/11, George W. Bush authorized the indefinite detention of prisoners in what came to be known as the Global War on Terror.

From Salon

Jameel Jaffer, the founding director of the Knight First Amendment Institute, for instance, disputed Cole’s claims, citing the Obama administration’s continued reliance on illegal and extralegal policies that Bush’s aggressive actions had already put in play — among them warrantless wiretapping, indefinite detention and the military commissions to try prisoners at Guantánamo.

From Salon

When One Direction went on indefinite hiatus in 2016, Payne looked to reframe his roles as both writer and pop star.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• infinite
• undefined
• undetermined
• unlimited