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

Into this breach, calculatedly or otherwise, steps Matt — back in town for an indefinite period, and determined to work his way back into Mara’s life with his considerable force of personality. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Dec. 2024

These diagnoses have made her health struggles public, leading to her indefinite leave from The Wendy Williams Show in 2021. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

When Perkins was arrested and charged with murder in 2012, the law left the possibility of indefinite incarceration for defendants deemed mentally-incapable of proceeding to a trial. —Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025

Finch was then placed under investigation by Shondaland and Disney, and ultimately took an indefinite leave of absence from Grey’s in March 2022. —Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025

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