determined

1 of 2

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

determined

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of determine

Synonyms of determined

Adjective

• resolute
• intent
• decisive
• resolved
• confident
• bound

Examples of determined in a Sentence

Adjective

We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes.

his determined opponent would not be bluffed or shaken

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Jackson says this is because he’s determined to focus people on the company’s success, rather than their own individual advancement. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Indeed, this equation between precognition and determined occurrence, rehearsal and performance, exists in the mind as a matter of protocol. — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

And be sure to tune into the Boiling Point Podcast, where this week host Miranda Green convened a panel of hopeful and determined thinkers to talk about a warming world at NYC Climate Week. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

The deputies responded quickly determined that no one had been struck by the gunfire and continued investigating the shooting while searching for a suspect, according to a Placer County Sheriff’s Office news release. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see determine

First Known Use

Adjective

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