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 of finite

• limited
• confined

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

For that chunk of older Americans, there’s plenty of reason to be worried about making finite financial resources last. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

However, a refrigerator is, in the end, another appliance with a finite life. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026

Wendorf argues that humans, particularly high-performing leaders, often squander their finite energy through people-pleasing, unproductive rumination, and worrying about external opinions, leading to burnout. — Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Visit Sacramento did offer a lottery system wherein a finite number of people could potentially win a spot at the table. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for finite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

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