indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˌ)in-ˈde-fə-nət How to pronounce indefinite (audio)
-ˈdef-nət
: not definite: such as
a
: not precise : vague
b
: having no exact limits
c
: typically designating an unidentified, generic, or unfamiliar person or thing
the indefinite articles a and an
indefinite pronouns
indefinite noun
indefinitely adverb
indefiniteness noun

Examples of indefinite in a Sentence

We're stuck here for an indefinite period of time. Their plans have been put on indefinite hold. She is indefinite about her plans.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And the social-media outcry over Kimmel’s indefinite suspension and subsequent reinstatement might suggest that a new civil-liberties movement is gaining momentum. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025 Now, the election outcome is being challenged, tying up the proceedings with the National Labor Relations Board, and leaving workers in limbo for an indefinite period until a decision is finalized by the government agency. Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025 Disney, the owner of ABC, handed Kimmel an indefinite suspension that ended up lasting six days — and longer in areas that rely on local TV station owners Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025 Woll is on an indefinite leave of absence, which has brought James Reimer back into the fold on a PTO. The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indefinite

Word History

Etymology

Latin indefinitus, from in- + definitus definite

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indefinite was in 1530

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indefinite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indefinite. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

indefinite

adjective
in·​def·​i·​nite (ˈ)in-ˈdef-(ə-)nət How to pronounce indefinite (audio)
1
: not clear or fixed in meaning or details : vague
an indefinite answer
2
: not certain or limited (as in amount or length)
an indefinite period
3
: typically designating a person or thing that is unidentified or cannot be immediately identified
the indefinite articles "a" and "an"
indefinite noun
indefinitely adverb
indefiniteness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on indefinite

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