determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd 

dē-

1

: having reached a decision : firmly resolved

was determined to become a pilot

is determined not to let it happen again

2

a

: showing determination

a determined effort

b

: characterized by determination

… will deter all but the most determined thief.

—Security World

determinedly

di-ˈtər-mənd-lē 

-mə-nəd-lē

dē-

adverb

determinedness

di-ˈtər-mənd-nəs 

dē-

noun

Synonyms

• bent (on or upon)
• bound
• decisive
• do-or-die
• firm
• hell-bent (on or upon)
• intent
• out
• purposeful
• resolute
• resolved
• set
• single-minded

Examples of determined in a Sentence

We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes.

his determined opponent would not be bluffed or shaken

Recent Examples on the Web

But Trump remains defiant about the tariffs, much like Putin remains determined to continue Russia’s assault on Ukraine. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025

Despite a sentence that will likely mean spending the rest of her life in prison, Melody remains determined to prove her innocence. —Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025

The Bears signed Grady Jarrett in free agency to be a starter on the interior of the line but remain determined to create a deep rotation up front. —Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2025

However, Cage is reportedly determined to defy these timelines and return to in-ring action as soon as possible. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing determined

• bound and determined
• self-determined

Rhymes for determined

• predetermined
• redetermined
• undetermined
• overdetermined
• termined

Kids Definition

determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd 

1

: having reached a decision : firmly resolved

determined to be a pilot

2

: not weak or uncertain

a very determined opponent

determinedly

-mən-dlē 

-mə-nəd-lē

adverb