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

As grief gives way to a determined search for truth, new details are emerging that deepen the urgency around her death — and raise questions that remain unanswered for now. —Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026

What wasn’t determined via a referendum more than two years in the making was whether the ballot box victory is a knockout blow to the construction of large vacation homes. —Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 21 Jan. 2026

The group has dwindled in size, but, at least so far, some of the newcomers seem determined to stick it out. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026

Trump seemed determined to alienate allies. —David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 21 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