indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˌ)in-ˈde-fə-nət 

-ˈdef-nət

: not definite: such as

a

: not precise : vague

b

: having no exact limits

c

: typically designating an unidentified, generic, or unfamiliar person or thing

the indefinite articles a and an

indefinite pronouns

indefinite noun

indefinitely adverb

indefiniteness noun

Synonyms

• bottomless
• boundless
• endless
• fathomless
• horizonless
• illimitable
• immeasurable
• immensurable
• infinite
• limitless
• measureless
• unbounded
• unfathomable
• unlimited

Examples of indefinite in a Sentence

We're stuck here for an indefinite period of time.

Their plans have been put on indefinite hold.

She is indefinite about her plans.

Recent Examples on the Web

Critics, however, maintain that such changes could open the door to indefinite presidencies, undermining the democratic system of checks and balances and potentially concentrating power in one individual for extended periods. —Anna Commander, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

According to his website, Kanneh-Mason’s cello, which is on indefinite loan to him, was made in 1700 by famed Venetian luthier Matteo Goffriller. —Amarachi Orie, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

In Northern Ireland, where puberty blockers were temporarily banned in August through an extension of the U.K. ban, officials also agreed to an indefinite ban on Tuesday, as The Telegraph reported. —Samantha Riedel, Them, 11 Dec. 2024

With indefinite deployments and scarce reinforcements, many soldiers leave their units despite the risk of criminal prosecution. —Katya Soldak, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin indefinitus, from in- + definitus definite

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing indefinite

• indefinite article
• indefinite integral
• indefinite pronoun

Kids Definition

indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˈ)in-ˈdef-(ə-)nət 

1

: not clear or fixed in meaning or details : vague

an indefinite answer

2

: not certain or limited (as in amount or length)

an indefinite period

3

: typically designating a person or thing that is unidentified or cannot be immediately identified

the indefinite articles "a" and "an"

indefinite noun

indefinitely adverb

indefiniteness noun