determination

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of officially deciding something: such as

a

law : a decision of a court or administrative agency settling an issue, case, or claim

the court's determination in that case

documents that will be used for the determination of ownership

judicial determinations

b

: the resolving of a question by argument or reasoning

Inspectors made the determination that the building is unsafe.

2

archaic : termination

3

a

: the act of deciding definitely and firmly

also : the result of such an act of decision

b

: a quality that makes someone continue to pursue achievement of something that is difficult

a woman of great courage and determination

fierce determination to succeed

4

: a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude, value, or character of something: such as

a

: the act, process, or result of making an accurate measurement or calculation

more precise determination of the size of the tumor

b

biology : an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal

5

philosophy

a

: the definition of a concept in logic by its essential constituents (see constituent entry 1 sense 2)

b

: the addition of a differentia to a concept to limit its denotation

6

: direction or tendency to a certain end : impulsion

7

biology : the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue

Synonyms of determination

• decision
• decisiveness
• resolve
• persistence

Examples of determination in a Sentence

What he lacked in talent he made up for in determination.

The new instruments allow for more precise determination of the size of the tumor.

The document will be used for determination of ownership.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sandra Hernández, president of the California Health Care Foundation, said the federal legislation creates administrative hurdles, requiring Medicaid beneficiaries to meet new work or income requirements and to undergo the eligibility re-determination process every six months instead of annually. —Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026

One such case is this tense Oscar-winning doc about rock climber Alex Honnold and his determination to conquer the El Capitan rock formation at Yosemite National Park via free solo climb, which is to say, without any ropes to protect him. —Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026

Nick Wass / Associated Press Harrison Bader credits hard work and determination with becoming one of the game’s best defensive outfielders this decade. —Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026

Judd plays Caden’s mother Mari in the pic, which centers on the unwavering determination of his parents to help their son, against all odds, achieve his dream. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing determination

• self-determination

Rhymes for determination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

determination

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of coming to a decision

also : the decision or conclusion reached

2

: a settling or making sure of the position, size, or nature of something

determination of the position of a ship

3

: accurate measurement (as of length or volume)

4

: firm or fixed intention : firmness

Medical Definition

determination

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude, quantity, value, or character of something: as

a

: the act, process, or result of an accurate measurement

b

: an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal

2

: the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue compare differentiation sense 2b

Legal Definition

determination

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion

: a decision of a court or administrative agency regarding an issue, case, or claim