indeterminable

[ in-di-tur-muh-nuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not determinable; incapable of being ascertained.
2. incapable of being decided or settled.

indeterminable

/ ˌɪndɪˈtɜːmɪnəbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being ascertained
2. incapable of being settled

Derived Forms

• ˌindeˈterminableness, noun
• ˌindeˈterminably, adverb

Other Words From

• inde·termi·na·ble·ness noun
• inde·termi·na·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of indeterminable¹

From the Late Latin word indēterminābilis, dating back to 1480–90. See in- ³, determinable

Example Sentences

The fiscal note attached to the legislation said the overall financial impact was “indeterminable” but would likely lead to a “significant increase in expenditures primarily due to increased incarceration costs.”

From Seattle Times

Six months after Evan Gershkovich was arrested by Russian security services, accused of espionage and sent to a notoriously harsh Moscow prison, his family is steeling for an indeterminable wait.

From New York Times

But an indeterminable pull anchored her where she stood.

From Literature

It’s full of people of indeterminable ages with plumped, glowy skin and long, extra-thick eyelashes, wearing soft, unwrinkled fabrics and layers of gold chains.

From New York Times

We continue forming ad hoc committees to examine issues for indeterminable amounts of time.

From New York Times

Related Words

• infinite
• undefined
• undetermined
• unlimited