determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd 

dē-

1

: having reached a decision : firmly resolved

was determined to become a pilot

is determined not to let it happen again

2

a

: showing determination

a determined effort

b

: characterized by determination

… will deter all but the most determined thief.

—Security World

determinedly

di-ˈtər-mənd-lē 

-mə-nəd-lē

dē-

adverb

determinedness

di-ˈtər-mənd-nəs 

dē-

noun

Synonyms

• bent (on or upon)
• bound
• decisive
• do-or-die
• firm
• hell-bent (on or upon)
• intent
• out
• purposeful
• resolute
• resolved
• set
• single-minded

Examples of determined in a Sentence

We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes.

his determined opponent would not be bluffed or shaken

Recent Examples on the Web

Thousands of miles away from their home in Philadelphia, Sara is determined to keep heading westward to meet Devin’s father in the California town of Crook Springs. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025

But his usual determined and diligent work led to an August 2024 return with impressive results, albeit in a relief/opener role, where he was limited to two innings and didn’t throw more than 38 pitches in an outing. —Marc Topkin, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2025

The White House has said Biden is determined to close Guantánamo Bay before the end of his term. —Mushtaq Yusufzai, NBC News, 8 Jan. 2025

With retailers determined to lure shoppers with experience and hospitality, luxury prices are turning them away. —Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing determined

• bound and determined
• self-determined

Kids Definition

determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd 

1

: having reached a decision : firmly resolved

determined to be a pilot

2

: not weak or uncertain

a very determined opponent

determinedly

-mən-dlē 

-mə-nəd-lē

adverb