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

Films from Thor: Ragnarok's Taika Waititi and Wonder Woman's Patty Jenkins appear to be on indefinite hold. —Eliana Dockterman, Time, 22 Apr. 2025

There is a 90-day pause in place for most countries before new tariffs hit, though tariffs for Chinese goods are now as high as 145%. FTZs enable U.S. importers and manufacturers to store imports of finished goods for an indefinite amount of time without paying trade duties. —Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2025

The band’s two decade career is especially notable in a scene riddled with band break-ups and indefinite hiatuses. —Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025

The singer was part of One Direction until the band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2015 and has since put out two solo albums, Walls and Faith of the Future. —Marina Watts, People.com, 11 Apr. 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