determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd 

dē-

1

: having reached a decision : firmly resolved

was determined to become a pilot

is determined not to let it happen again

2

a

: showing determination

a determined effort

b

: characterized by determination

… will deter all but the most determined thief.

—Security World

determinedly

di-ˈtər-mənd-lē 

-mə-nəd-lē

dē-

adverb

determinedness

di-ˈtər-mənd-nəs 

dē-

noun

Synonyms

• bent (on or upon)
• bound
• decisive
• do-or-die
• firm
• hell-bent (on or upon)
• intent
• out
• purposeful
• resolute
• resolved
• set
• single-minded

Examples of determined in a Sentence

We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes.

his determined opponent would not be bluffed or shaken

Recent Examples on the Web

But the guard has pushed through and is determined to help Phoenix make a last-ditch effort for a playoff run. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025

At a time when women were not allowed to wrestle professionally, this dream seems far-fetched, but Burke is determined to succeed. —Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025

Those attacks were determined to be genocide by the United States in January. —CNN, 7 Mar. 2025

Actor Gene Hackman was found to have died likely a week after his wife Betsy Arakawa, with both determined to have died of natural causes, autopsies revealed on Friday. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing determined

• bound and determined
• self-determined

Rhymes for determined

• predetermined
• redetermined
• undetermined
• overdetermined
• termined

Kids Definition

determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd 

1

: having reached a decision : firmly resolved

determined to be a pilot

2

: not weak or uncertain

a very determined opponent

determinedly

-mən-dlē 

-mə-nəd-lē

adverb