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

The pills were later determined to be the painkiller hydrocodone, according to the affidavit. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026

The same accessibility that lets a small lab design a cure lets a different small lab, or a single determined individual, design a threat. —Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

As housing availability remains tight and prices continue to climb, small apartments like this one remain a common entry point for those determined to live in the city. —Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

Kerr is determined to help find solutions to the epidemic of gun violence, focusing on background checks and gun safety. —John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 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