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 of determined

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

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 as determined as Warsh said the Fed was to modernizing and fixing the economy’s problems, Warsh was noticeably less willing to provide detailed answers about the Fed’s decision-making process or thoughts on broader economic topics than Powell. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

Charlotte, meanwhile, appeared as poised as ever, while Louis seemed determined to savor every moment of the event. —Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026

Investigators recovered an iPhone from the SUV, which was later determined to be a vehicle rented by a Sarasota County woman. —Miami Herald, 17 June 2026

The book follows Flynn, a determined fly who pursues his dream of traveling to space despite doubters. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026

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