1 indefinite | Definition of indefinite

indefinite

adjective
in路​def路​i路​nite | \ (藢)in-藞def-n蓹t How to pronounce indefinite (audio) , -藞de-f蓹-\

Definition of indefinite

: not definite: such as
a : typically designating an unidentified, generic, or unfamiliar person or thing the indefinite articles a and an indefinite pronouns
b : not precise : vague
c : having no exact limits

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Other Words from indefinite

indefinite noun
indefinitely adverb
indefiniteness noun

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

But if the Huskies pick Haener, how would Eason handle the bench on an indefinite basis. * Current indications in Pullman point to redshirt senior Anthony Gordon winning the job, not Eastern Washington transfer Gage Gubrud. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, "Pac-12 training camp report: From HBO appearances to QB duels, there鈥檚 no shortage of news," 19 Aug. 2019 Yekaterina Sokirianskaya, director of the Conflict Analysis and Prevention Center, said deradicalization programs offer no guarantees but are an alternative to indefinite incarceration or capital punishment. Andrew E. Kramer, BostonGlobe.com, "Kazakhstan welcomes women back from the Islamic State, warily," 10 Aug. 2019 This month鈥檚 lead alert has triggered the indefinite closure of two local schools and a halt to all work on the cathedral site. Feargus O'sullivan, WIRED, "The Notre Dame Fire Spread Toxic Lead Dust Over Paris," 1 Aug. 2019 And generations of young people have been trapped in a indefinite mandatory national service. Milena Belloni, Quartz Africa, "Why young Eritreans are going to keep risking deadly migration crossings to Europe," 27 July 2019 However, with Jalen Nailor out for an indefinite stretch with an ankle injury, Heyward did make a catch on a slant pattern after lining up wide and has shown early ability to make plays in the pass game and in open space. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State football stock watch: Elijah Collins on rise behind feisty offensive line," 9 Sep. 2019 Acosta was suspended on an indefinite basis by the White House after engaging in a heated exchange with Trump at a news conference. Paul Farhi, Washington Post, "Judge orders White House to restore press pass of reporter involved in confrontation," 3 Sep. 2019 Like him, my other informants were waiting out indefinite bureaucratic delays in their cases. Ken Silverstein, The New Republic, "Shock Corridor," 19 Aug. 2019 While Bill Belichick has remained expectedly tight-lipped regarding Josh Gordon's future after his reinstatement from an indefinite suspension, the wide receiver's return reshapes the outlook for Tom Brady and the passing game. Michael Middlehurst-schwartz, USA TODAY, "NFL preseason winners, losers: Patriots reload, while Colts, Chargers take hits," 23 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indefinite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of indefinite

1530, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for indefinite

Latin indefinitus, from in- + definitus definite

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More Definitions for indefinite

indefinite

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of indefinite

: not certain in amount or length
: not clear or certain in meaning or details

indefinite

adjective
in路​def路​i路​nite | \ in-藞de-f蓹-n蓹t How to pronounce indefinite (audio) \

Kids Definition of indefinite

1 : not certain in amount or length an indefinite period
2 : not clear in meaning or details She is indefinite about her plans.

Other Words from indefinite

indefinitely adverb

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