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

Those who are determined to find deer get together and annually lease the hunting rights of ranches at a cost of from $150 to $1,500, or even more, per hunter. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026

The source said Iran remained determined to control passage through the Strait of Hormuz, saying ships would be allowed to pass safely only if their transit was coordinated with Tehran and conducted under Iranian arrangements, the source said. — Kevin Breuninger,lim Hui Jie,chloe Taylor,sam Meredith, CNBC, 22 July 2026

Democrats looking for a way to reclaim their party can find inspiration in the career of Neil Kinnock, who in the mid-1980s rescued the British Labour Party from a determined band of sectarian zealots. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026

But reportedly, after their lavish wedding at Madison Square Garden in front of over one thousand people, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are now determined that won’t happen to them. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 July 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