Indefinite: meaning, definitions and examples

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indefinite

 

[ ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

article

not clearly defined or determined; not precise or exact

Synonyms

indeterminate, uncertain, vague.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indefinite

Used when something has no specific limit or is not clearly defined. Often describes time periods, plans, or amounts.

  • The project timeline is indefinite
  • Our vacation plans are indefinite
vague

Used when details are lacking or not clear. It often has a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of clarity or specifics.

  • His explanation was vague
  • The directions given were vague and confusing
uncertain

Used when unsure about something or when a situation could change. Often describes feelings, outcomes, or situations.

  • The weather forecast is uncertain
  • She felt uncertain about the decision
indeterminate

Used when something cannot be precisely determined or measured. Often used in scientific, technical, or legal contexts.

  • The results of the experiment were indeterminate
  • His legal status remains indeterminate

Examples of usage

  • an indefinite number of possibilities
  • the date is indefinite
Context #2 | Adjective

time

lasting for an unknown or unstated length of time

Synonyms

uncertain, undetermined, unspecified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indefinite

Used when something has no clear or fixed limits or end point. Often used in formal or technical contexts.

  • The project has been postponed for an indefinite period.
  • The contract is indefinite and will continue until one of the parties decides to terminate it.
unspecified

Used when details or specifics have not been given. Often used in formal or bureaucratic language.

  • The package will be delivered at an unspecified time.
  • He was admitted to the hospital for unspecified reasons.
undetermined

Used when something has not yet been decided or defined. Often appears in legal, medical, or technical contexts.

  • The cause of the issue is still undetermined, and further investigation is needed.
  • The time of the meeting is currently undetermined.
uncertain

Best used when there is doubt or a lack of assurance about something. Often conveys a sense of anxiety or hesitation.

  • She was uncertain about her future after graduation.
  • Due to the uncertain weather, the event may be canceled.

Examples of usage

  • an indefinite period
  • an indefinite delay
Context #3 | Adjective

mathematics

unlimited or unspecified in extent or amount

Synonyms

boundless, infinite, unlimited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indefinite

Used when there is no clear end or limit in time, scope, or extent. It often indicates uncertainty or vagueness.

  • The project has been postponed for an indefinite period.
  • His indefinite answer left everyone confused.
infinite

Best used when describing something that is endless or immeasurable in size or duration. Often used in a more abstract sense.

  • The universe is full of infinite possibilities.
  • He has an infinite capacity for kindness.
boundless

Ideal for describing something that seems extremely large or without any limits or boundaries. Often has a positive connotation.

  • She has a boundless supply of energy.
  • Their love for each other is boundless.
unlimited

Used to emphasize the absence of any limitations or restrictions, often in terms of quantity, resources, or options.

  • Customers can enjoy unlimited data with this plan.
  • He has unlimited access to confidential information.

Examples of usage

  • indefinite integral
  • indefinite series

Translations

Translations of the word "indefinite" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indefinido

🇮🇳 अनिश्चित

🇩🇪 unbestimmt

🇮🇩 tidak tentu

🇺🇦 невизначений

🇵🇱 nieokreślony

🇯🇵 不定

🇫🇷 indéfini

🇪🇸 indefinido

🇹🇷 belirsiz

🇰🇷 불확실한

🇸🇦 غير محدد

🇨🇿 neurčitý

🇸🇰 neurčitý

🇨🇳 不确定的

🇸🇮 nedoločen

🇮🇸 óákveðið

🇰🇿 белгісіз

🇬🇪 განსაზღვრელი

🇦🇿 müəyyən edilməmiş

🇲🇽 indefinido

Etymology

The word 'indefinite' originated in the late 15th century from the Latin word 'indefinitus', which means 'not defined, vague'. Over time, it has evolved to represent something that is not clearly defined or determined. The term has been widely used in various contexts, including mathematics, time, and general descriptions.

See also: definable, defined, definite, definitive, indefinably, redefine.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,073 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.