finite

adjective

fi·​nite ˈfī-ˌnīt 

1

a

: having definite or definable limits

a finite number of possibilities

b

: having a limited nature or existence

finite beings

2

: completely determinable in theory or in fact by counting, measurement, or thought

the finite velocity of light

3

a

: less than an arbitrary positive integer and greater than the negative of that integer

b

: having a finite number of elements

a finite set

4

: of, relating to, or being a verb or verb form that can function as a predicate or as the initial element of one and that is limited (as in tense, person, and number)

finite verbs such as "is" and "are"

finite noun

finitely adverb

finiteness noun

Synonyms

• limited

Examples of finite in a Sentence

a finite number of possibilities

the earth's finite supply of natural resources

the finite human lifespan

a finite verb such as “is” or “are”

Recent Examples on the Web

When dubious tips are fed into the deluge of leads submitted to authorities, according to the law professor, that could squander finite police resources spent vetting the information. —Emma Bowman, NPR, 7 Dec. 2024

But remember, your existing network is finite and can be quickly exhausted. —Henry McIntosh, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

What’s clear is that the government’s – and taxpayers’ – pockets are finite. —Denise Hruby, Sun Sentinel, 2 Dec. 2024

The second season has a lot of heavy lifting to do in order to tie up its narrative threads as the second half of the finite duology. —Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin fīnītus "specific, definite, having bounds or limits," from past participle of fīnīre "to mark out the boundaries, limit, put an end to, bring to a close" — more at finish entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing finite

• finite difference

Kids Definition

finite

adjective

fi·​nite ˈfī-ˌnīt 

1

: having certain limits : limited in scope or nature : not infinite

2

: limited in grammatical person and number

a finite verb

finitely adverb

finiteness noun