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

Touring the campus on an early-autumn morning with Crowley and the university’s biodiversity officer, Abhishek Dixit, I was struck by the earthy overgrowth of the school grounds, which nature appeared determined to reclaim. —Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

But those penalties likely wouldn’t deter a determined terrorist. —ABC News, 10 June 2026

Pacific Gas & Electric was forced to pay billions of dollars in damages after its faulty electric transmission line was the determined cause of the 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire in California history. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 9 June 2026

The image was later determined to be computer generated. —Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 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