determined

1 of 2

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

determined

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of determine

Synonyms of determined

Adjective

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

Examples of determined in a Sentence

Adjective

We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes.

his determined opponent would not be bluffed or shaken

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton were considered as options alongside Anderson and Bouaddi, but Fernandez was the player City were most determined to sign. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

The kitchen is located in the new addition of the house, and Keys was determined to inject it with charm. — Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026

Narrow specialist roles, while important, should be critically determined in a way that does not set employees down a track of obsolescence. — Tonushree Mondal, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Quiring also praised Martin for remaining determined during the ordeal, as well as the rescuers and other members of the team who supported the operation. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see determine

First Known Use

Adjective

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