indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˌ)in-ˈde-fə-nət 

-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

Synonyms

• bottomless
• boundless
• endless
• fathomless
• horizonless
• illimitable
• immeasurable
• immensurable
• infinite
• limitless
• measureless
• unbounded
• unfathomable
• unlimited

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

This is a non-immigrant visa that allows multiple entries and indefinite stays in the Philippines. —Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Also, by ensuring that college players can’t pursue long-term or indefinite careers in college football, the rules allegedly distinguish college sports as distinct from minor league sports. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 May 2025

Fifteen stubborn pounds have taken up indefinite residence on my body, converging in the form of a jello-like floaty around my abdominal area that appears to have no plans of departing. —Marina Khorosh, Vogue, 27 May 2025

Unlike aluminum cans, which can be melted down and reused an indefinite number of times, plastic degrades during the ordinary recycling process, limiting its usefulness. —Josiah Neeley, Oc Register, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin indefinitus, from in- + definitus definite

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing indefinite

• indefinite article
• indefinite integral
• indefinite pronoun

Rhymes for indefinite

• definite

Kids Definition

indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˈ)in-ˈdef-(ə-)nət 

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