determination

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

a

law : a judicial decision settling and ending a controversy

the court's determination in that case

documents that will be used for the determination of ownership

judicial determinations

b

: the resolving of a question by argument or reasoning

Inspectors made the determination that the building is unsafe.

2

archaic : termination

3

a

: the act of deciding definitely and firmly

also : the result of such an act of decision

b

: firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end

a woman of great courage and determination

fierce determination to succeed

4

: a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude, value, or character of something: such as

a

: the act, process, or result of an accurate measurement

more precise determination of the size of the tumor

b

biology : an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal

5

philosophy

a

: the definition of a concept in logic by its essential constituents (see constituent entry 1 sense 2)

b

: the addition of a differentia to a concept to limit its denotation

6

: direction or tendency to a certain end : impulsion

7

biology : the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue

Synonyms

• decidedness
• decision
• decisiveness
• determinedness
• firmness
• granite
• purposefulness
• resoluteness
• resolution
• resolve
• stick-to-itiveness

Examples of determination in a Sentence

What he lacked in talent he made up for in determination.

The new instruments allow for more precise determination of the size of the tumor.

The document will be used for determination of ownership.

Recent Examples on the Web

The medical examiner has not yet released a determination for his death. —Journal Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2024

Distributors and production teams are also advised to apply for the PGA Mark Certification for awards determination by the date of the film’s first qualifying run. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 Apr. 2024

That office’s determinations are based on investigations by the Homicide Task Force, where Detroit officers investigate shootings by their colleagues under the supervision of a Michigan State Police detective. —Detroit Free Press, 21 Apr. 2024

And in the determination etched in the faces of my immigrant parents, who raised seven children in Southern California without relinquishing our rich Syrian traditions. —Farrah Hassen, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024

Their collective perseverance — a mix of dogged determination and wild hope — is a reminder for all of us that a creative life, that all life, takes nerve. —Hanya Yanagihara, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024

But the country’s all-out war in Gaza leaves no doubt about its leadership’s determination to eliminate its adversaries at almost any price. —Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2024

Hardeman always asks tough questions, confronts uncomfortable realities with grace, and through her unwavering determination offers all of us a path forward toward truly advancing birth equity. —Rachel Hardeman, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024

Police Chief Neil Noakes concurred with the chain of command’s determination and fired Barron from the department. —Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing determination

• self-determination

Kids Definition

determination

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of coming to a decision

also : the decision or conclusion reached

2

: a settling or making sure of the position, size, or nature of something

determination of the position of a ship

3

: accurate measurement (as of length or volume)

4

: firm or fixed intention : firmness

Medical Definition

determination

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude, quantity, value, or character of something: as

a

: the act, process, or result of an accurate measurement

b

: an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal

2

: the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue compare differentiation sense 2b

Legal Definition

determination

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion

: a decision of a court or administrative agency regarding an issue, case, or claim