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

The pop-country sibling trio The Band Perry surprised fans by announcing an indefinite hiatus in 2023, and shocked them by reforming as the husband-and-wife duo of Kimberly Perry and Johnny Costello in 2025. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026

Last week, the city's Planning Commission recommended placing an indefinite moratorium on new personal storage facilities while the city considers potential changes to its rules. — James Taylor, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

In February 2024 boygenius announced an indefinite hiatus to allow its members to focus on solo projects. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026

As OutKick reported last week, Romo's OWI arrest put his future in jeopardy beyond the initial indefinite suspension. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 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