indeterminate

adjective

in·​de·​ter·​mi·​nate ˌin-di-ˈtər-mə-nət 

-ˈtərm-nət

1

a

: not definitely or precisely determined or fixed : vague

b

: not known in advance

c

: not leading to a definite end or result

2

: having an infinite number of solutions

a system of indeterminate equations

3

: being one of the seven undefined mathematical expressions {latex}\frac{0}{0}, \frac{\infty}{\infty}, \infty \cdot 0, 1^{\infty}, 0^{0}, \infty^{0}, \infty - \infty{/latex}

4

: characterized by sequential flowering from the lateral or basal buds to the central or uppermost buds

also : characterized by growth in which the main stem continues to elongate indefinitely without being limited by a terminal inflorescence compare determinate sense 4

indeterminately adverb

indeterminateness noun

indetermination

ˌin-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

noun

Did you know?

When you determine something, you decide on what it is, which means you put limits or boundaries on its identity. So something indeterminate lacks identifying limits. A mutt is usually the product of indeterminate breeding, since at least the father's identity is generally a mystery. A painting of indeterminate origins is normally less valued than one with the painter's name on it. And if negotiations are left in an indeterminate state, nothing has been decided.

Examples of indeterminate in a Sentence

an indeterminate number of people

Recent Examples on the Web

Before the nineteen-eighties, judges around the country often used what was known as indeterminate sentencing. —Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025

Vince, who co-founded the Black Rabbit with his brother years ago, has been hiding out in Reno for an indeterminate period, for unambivalent reasons. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025

Pinch off the growing tips of vining crops, such as indeterminate tomatoes, squash, and melons, to force the plants to redirect their energy to fruit production. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025

Under a 1988 state law, California’s governor holds the unusual power to approve, deny or modify parole board decisions for people convicted of murder and sentenced to an indeterminate term. —Matthew J. Friedman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English indeterminat, from Late Latin indeterminatus, from Latin in- + determinatus, past participle of determinare to determine

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

indeterminate

adjective

in·​de·​ter·​mi·​nate ˌin-di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nət 

1

: not clearly or exactly decided : vague

indeterminate plans

2

: not leading to a clear end or result

indeterminately adverb

indeterminateness noun

Medical Definition

indeterminate

adjective

in·​de·​ter·​mi·​nate ˌin-di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nət 

: relating to, being, or undergoing indeterminate cleavage

an indeterminate egg