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

Vought’s order puts on indefinite hold all the CFPB’s enforcement and investigative activities. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025

Full normalization of ties would require an indefinite cap on enrichment, verifiable limits to Tehran’s missile program, and a cutoff of weapons and training for militia groups. —Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025

This included access to emergency and critical medical care after gangs in December ransacked and burned down one of two hospitals the U.N. could use, leading to its indefinite closure. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025

One of Trump's latest executive orders places an indefinite hiring freeze across federal agencies, including the IRS. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 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