open-ended

American  

[oh-puhn-en-did] / ˈoʊ pənˈɛn dɪd /

adjective

1. not having fixed limits; unrestricted; broad.

   an open-ended discussion.

2. allowing for future changes, revisions, or additions.

   open-ended agreements.

3. having no fixed answer.

   an open-ended question.

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open-ended British  

adjective

1. without definite limits, as of duration or amount

   an open-ended contract

2. denoting a question, esp one on a questionnaire, that cannot be answered "yes", "no", or "don't know"

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Other Word Forms

• open-endedness noun

Etymology

Origin of open-ended

First recorded in 1815–25; open + end ¹ + -ed ³

Explanation

Something that's open-ended doesn't have a specific end date or time. You might buy an open-ended plane ticket to Rome if you're not sure when — or if — you'll want to come home. Things that are limitless, or that have no restrictions or restraints, can be called open-ended. An open-ended lease on a apartment doesn't end on a specific day, and an open-ended babysitting job would be somewhat casual, rather than a regular, reliable job. Open-ended questions are complicated ones — they can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." The adjective open-ended has been in use since the mid-1800s.

Example Sentences

Rivera said she was deeply worried about how an open-ended strike would affect her emotionally fragile kids — and frustrated by there being less than 24 hours of notice either way.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Approving an open-ended moratorium "will deliver stability and predictability for all traders", while showing that the WTO can deliver results, said Joseph Barloon, the US ambassador to the organisation.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

The work stoppage, if it happens, would be an open-ended strike that could last until an agreement is reached.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

The company later blocked teens from accessing open-ended chats and settled the lawsuit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

“Credit default swaps remedied the problem of open-ended risk for me,” said Burry.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• unlimited
• unrestricted