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

What Happens Next NewJeans are currently on an indefinite hiatus. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025

After a temporary return to work, about 1,200 workers will be placed on indefinite layoff, the company confirmed Tuesday. —Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 30 Oct. 2025

Since the fuel is nuclear, this means that Skyfall has an indefinite range – certainly not unlimited – until the propulsion mechanism fails. —David Szondy october 26, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025

Both were placed on indefinite leave. —Dian Zhang, USA Today, 24 Oct. 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