determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd 

dē-

1

: having reached a decision : firmly resolved

was determined to become a pilot

is determined not to let it happen again

2

a

: showing determination

a determined effort

b

: characterized by determination

… will deter all but the most determined thief.

—Security World

determinedly

di-ˈtər-mənd-lē 

-mə-nəd-lē, 

dē-

adverb

determinedness

di-ˈtər-mənd-nəs 

dē-

noun

Synonyms of determined

• resolute
• intent
• decisive
• resolved
• confident
• bound

Examples of determined in a Sentence

We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes.

his determined opponent would not be bluffed or shaken

Recent Examples on the Web

It was later determined that the case did not meet authorities' acceptance criteria at the time. —Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

Each association has their own process of designating tickets, but members may be able to purchase tickets from a section of tickets pre-determined for supports of their team. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026

Jalen Hurts was non-functional on anything beyond pre-determined deep shots and flat routes. —Derrik Klassen, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026

However, it was later determined that the case did not meet authorities' acceptance criteria at the time. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing determined

• bound and determined
• self-determined

Rhymes for determined

• predetermined
• redetermined
• undetermined
• overdetermined
• termined

Kids Definition

determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd 

1

: having reached a decision : firmly resolved

determined to be a pilot

2

: not weak or uncertain

a very determined opponent

determinedly

-mən-dlē 

-mə-nəd-lē

adverb