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

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

Scissor Sisters, one of pop's most colourful bands, have announced they are reuniting, 12 years after declaring an "indefinite hiatus" live on stage.

From BBC

Officials project that they’ll have enough money to buy out 20 property owners in the Portuguese Bend area, the majority of whom face increased property damage and indefinite utility shutoffs due to land movement.

From Los Angeles Times

Judge Michael Chambers KC accepted a recommendation that Kaur should be given an indefinite hospital order to protect the public from serious harm.

From BBC

The band had announced an indefinite hiatus by the time I started working in the industry in 2016.

From BBC

Related Words

• infinite
• undefined
• undetermined
• unlimited