determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd How to pronounce determined (audio)
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 How to pronounce determined (audio)
-mə-nəd-lē
dē-
adverb
determinedness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead of sticking the boot into military homophobia, the show initially seems determined to tiptoe around it. Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2025 The plucky nun, who was inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame in 2017, was as determined as ever to follow the Ramblers to the 2021 NCAA Tournament after the 2020 postseason had been nixed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shannon Ryan, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 The Israeli government approved and signed the deal overnight, local time, kicking off a 24-hour countdown clock during which time troops had to withdraw to a pre-determined position. Rachel Wolf , Yonat Friling , Jennifer Griffin, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025 For Rolle, cancer survivorship means showing up for yourself every day, honoring your body’s strengths and limits, and staying determined to live a strong, purposeful life—no matter what. Essence, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for determined

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of determined was circa 1616

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Determined.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determined. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

determined

adjective
de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd How to pronounce determined (audio)
1
: having reached a decision : firmly resolved
determined to be a pilot
2
: not weak or uncertain
a very determined opponent
determinedly
-mən-dlē How to pronounce determined (audio)
-mə-nəd-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on determined

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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