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
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.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's attendance signals Iran's determination to assert influence in a bloc often dominated by Arab leadership. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, 72,730 people are waiting for a determination on their PSLF status. Annie Nova, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025 In Determination, Innovation And Purpose Success demands a mindset rooted in gritty determination, bold innovation and a sense of purpose. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 The impending arrival of Ayto is a further indication of the club’s determination to keep moving forward and finding ways to gain a competitive edge over bigger and wealthier rivals. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for determination

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determination. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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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