indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˌ)in-ˈde-fə-nət 

-ˈdef-nət

: not definite: such as

a

: not precise : vague

b

: having no exact limits

c

: typically designating an unidentified, generic, or unfamiliar person or thing

the indefinite articles a and an

indefinite pronouns

indefinite noun

indefinitely adverb

indefiniteness noun

Synonyms

• bottomless
• boundless
• endless
• fathomless
• horizonless
• illimitable
• immeasurable
• immensurable
• infinite
• limitless
• measureless
• unbounded
• unfathomable
• unlimited

Examples of indefinite in a Sentence

We're stuck here for an indefinite period of time.

Their plans have been put on indefinite hold.

She is indefinite about her plans.

Recent Examples on the Web

The case is on an indefinite hold, and the federal Department of Justice (DOJ) has signaled that the charges could be dropped. —Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 5 Mar. 2025

Trump alone has the political capital, strategic vision, and negotiating power to bring about a settlement that does not simply extend the war on indefinite Western life support. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025

The University of California, Irvine, faced a similar incident after pro-Palestinian protesters and police clashed, leading to the indefinite suspension of five students, according to WJLA-TV News. —Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025

Southern University Division of Student Affairs issued a statement putting an indefinite pause to all membership activities on campus, including fraternities, sororities, and student clubs, until further notice. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin indefinitus, from in- + definitus definite

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing indefinite

• indefinite article
• indefinite integral
• indefinite pronoun

Rhymes for indefinite

• definite

Kids Definition

indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˈ)in-ˈdef-(ə-)nət 

1

: not clear or fixed in meaning or details : vague

an indefinite answer

2

: not certain or limited (as in amount or length)

an indefinite period

3

: typically designating a person or thing that is unidentified or cannot be immediately identified

the indefinite articles "a" and "an"

indefinite noun

indefinitely adverb

indefiniteness noun