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

• infinite
• endless

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

An indefinite curfew was put in place in the capital and Tribhuvan Airport has been shut down, with all flights cancelled. —Rajeev Tyagi, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025

Human rights groups claim the agreement lacks protections against torture or indefinite confinement for detainees. —Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025

An indefinite curfew was imposed in the city of Birgunj in southern Nepal, as well as for the entire Dang district in the southwest. —Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Sep. 2025

Currently, the album’srelease date is indefinite. —Allison P. Davis, Vulture, 8 Sep. 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