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Synonyms

indefinite

American  
[in-def-uh-nit] / ɪnˈdɛf ə nɪt /

adjective

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

    an indefinite number.
    Synonyms:
    indeterminate, unspecified
    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 British  
/ ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt /

adjective

  1. not certain or determined; unsettled

  2. without exact limits; indeterminate

    an indefinite number

  3. vague, evasive, or unclear

  4. Also: indeterminate.  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
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • indefinitely adverb
  • indefiniteness noun

Etymology

Origin of indefinite

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet this scene, too, is ultimately reconfigured in surprising ways, leaving its meanings bracingly indefinite.

From The Wall Street Journal

Embassy, and the consular officer told him his visa application was on indefinite hold.

From The Wall Street Journal

Civil contempt sentences are usually indefinite, until the person complies with the court order, which in this case, would be divulging the location of the missing coins.

From BBC

The indefinite halt in supplies has triggered fears of an impending energy crisis in India, which reportedly has crude oil and gas stocks to last for about 25 days.

From BBC

The boy band was formed on TV talent contest, The X Factor, back in 2010, before they went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.