indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˌ)in-ˈde-fə-nət 

-ˈdef-nət

: not definite: such as

a

: not precise : vague

an indefinite answer

b

: having no exact limits

an indefinite period of time

put on indefinite hold

c

: typically designating an unidentified, generic, or unfamiliar person or thing

the indefinite articles a and an

indefinite pronouns

indefinite noun

indefinitely adverb

indefiniteness noun

Synonyms of indefinite

• infinite
• endless

Examples of indefinite in a Sentence

We're stuck here for an indefinite period of time.

Their plans have been put on indefinite hold.

She is indefinite about her plans.

Recent Examples on the Web

There is disagreement between the supervisors over whether the resolution was indefinite or just for this last month. — Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

The Judgment Fund is a permanent, indefinite appropriation that Congress has enacted to allow the government to pay out settlements without needing separate congressional approval for each one. — Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Providing indefinite joy for the price of just one night at a hotel, this Instagram-worthy blow-up shelter is practically a portable tiny home that sets up within a few minutes. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

Now see the ongoing, indefinite deployment of armed National Guard troops there and in many other parts of the city. — Gary Fields, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin indefinitus, from in- + definitus definite

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing indefinite

• indefinite article
• indefinite integral
• indefinite pronoun

Rhymes for indefinite

• definite

Kids Definition

indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˈ)in-ˈdef-(ə-)nət 

1

: not clear or fixed in meaning or details : vague

an indefinite answer

2

: not certain or limited (as in amount or length)

an indefinite period

3

: typically designating a person or thing that is unidentified or cannot be immediately identified

the indefinite articles "a" and "an"

indefinite noun

indefinitely adverb

indefiniteness noun