open-ended

adjective

open-end·​ed ˌō-pən-ˈen-dəd 

: not rigorously fixed: such as

a

: adaptable to the developing needs of a situation

b

: permitting or designed to permit spontaneous and unguided responses

open-endedness noun

Examples of open-ended in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Advertisement World & Nation Israel’s Netanyahu demands open-ended control of Gaza’s border with Egypt Sept. 4, 2024 The plan calls for Israel to maintain control over the north for an indefinite period to attempt to create a new administration without Hamas, splitting the Gaza Strip in two. —Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2024

Kaos was left open-ended, and Covell has spoken about a vision for three seasons. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2024

The survey should contain both quantitative (rating scale) and qualitative (open-ended) questions. —Jeremy Schifeling, Contributor, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2024

People power The soft close uses its open-ended timing to act like a human auctioneer, explains auction expert Peter Cramton of Del Mar. 38 QUESTIONS: What can fix California’s housing mess? —Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above