determination

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce determination (audio)
1
a
law : a judicial decision settling and ending a controversy
the court's determination in that case
documents that will be used for the determination of ownership
judicial determinations
b
: the resolving of a question by argument or reasoning
Inspectors made the determination that the building is unsafe.
2
archaic : termination
3
a
: the act of deciding definitely and firmly
also : the result of such an act of decision
b
: firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end
a woman of great courage and determination
fierce determination to succeed
4
: a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude, value, or character of something: such as
a
: the act, process, or result of an accurate measurement
more precise determination of the size of the tumor
b
biology : an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal
5
philosophy
a
: the definition of a concept in logic by its essential constituents (see constituent entry 1 sense 2)
b
: the addition of a differentia to a concept to limit its denotation
6
: direction or tendency to a certain end : impulsion
7
biology : the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue

Examples of determination in a Sentence

What he lacked in talent he made up for in determination. The new instruments allow for more precise determination of the size of the tumor. The document will be used for determination of ownership.
Recent Examples on the Web That’s because while disability checks are technically issued by the SSA, determination for those benefits occurs at the state level. Aly J. Yale, wsj.com, 14 Nov. 2023 David Polanco, 54, recalled the determination and defiance of those days. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023 When teachers do make a referral for special education services, there's often still a question of how—and whether—to make a learning disability determination. Sarah Carr, Scientific American, 10 Nov. 2023 In her victory speech, Parker expressed her determination to work with all Philadelphians. Melissa Noel, Essence, 8 Nov. 2023 Nyad has also revealed how her reaction to Nelson’s assaults fueled her determination as an athlete. Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 3 Nov. 2023 The isolation thrust upon Coppola’s heroines by feckless husbands and fathers results in, if not always liberation, self-discovery, newfound confidence, determination, and desire. Andrew Marzoni, The New Republic, 3 Nov. 2023 Derek concluded the feedback by praising Alyson's determination, commitment, power and attack. Joelle Goldstein, Peoplemag, 1 Nov. 2023 Their determination to be faithful to the vintage look of the books, and their noir style, was central to their success in convincing the publisher, Antonio says. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 1 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'determination.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of determination was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near determination

Cite this Entry

“Determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determination. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

determination

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce determination (audio)
1
: the act of coming to a decision
also : the decision or conclusion reached
2
: a settling or making sure of the position, size, or nature of something
determination of the position of a ship
3
: accurate measurement (as of length or volume)
4
: firm or fixed intention : firmness

Medical Definition

determination

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce determination (audio)
1
: a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude, quantity, value, or character of something: as
a
: the act, process, or result of an accurate measurement
b
: an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal
2
: the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue compare differentiation sense 2b

Legal Definition

determination

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion
: a decision of a court or administrative agency regarding an issue, case, or claim

More from Merriam-Webster on determination

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