determination

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of officially deciding something: such as

a

law : a decision of a court or administrative agency settling an issue, case, or claim

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

: a quality that makes someone continue to pursue achievement of something that is difficult

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 making an accurate measurement or calculation

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

Synonyms of determination

• decision
• decisiveness
• resolve
• persistence

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

Its role is to make a credible technical determination matter. — Shlomit Wagman, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026

The appeal argues that determination is not supported by substantial evidence and that the city improperly excluded demolition of Red Rest from historical resource impact analysis. — Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Snyder’s leadership philosophy is built on curiosity, determination and genuine care for her team. — Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

However, at infrared wavelengths the brightness of an object is dependent mostly on its size, allowing accurate determinations of the diameters of the 27 TNOs. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing determination

• self-determination

Rhymes for determination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

determination

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

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 

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