determination

noun

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

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

Synonyms

• decidedness
• decision
• decisiveness
• determinedness
• firmness
• granite
• purposefulness
• resoluteness
• resolution
• resolve
• stick-to-itiveness

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

Simpson was once the country’s most admired athlete, a formidable running back who broke records with grace and determination. —Elaine Woo, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024

Again and again, two themes ring clear: their determination not to be defined by this derailment, and their insistence that the community‘s experience not be forgotten. —Pete Buttigieg, TIME, 10 Apr. 2024

The Democratic governor’s determination may hand lawmakers in both parties an election year victory, or kick off a new round of conflict over taxes with no clear resolution. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024

Stories like these reaffirmed Johnson’s determination to reverse the law, or at least to clarify it. —Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2024

Sheer determination and knowledge are often not enough to succeed. —Kyle Russell, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024

Against a young, inexperienced, but unquestionably talented Spurs team, Green won with toughness, determination, and smarts. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2024

Manhattan native Lindy graduated from Kenyon College, when her love of film and determination as a storyteller fueled a desire to begin writing and shooting short films. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 2 Apr. 2024

Juarez told Univision this week that the determination, made last weekend, has left her outraged and disappointed. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing determination

• self-determination

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