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

These were inhabitants of the Real East Coast who, even in the late 2000s, were still under the impression that hip-hop’s having been created in their territory granted them indefinite dominion over how the genre’s rhythm and presentation were supposed to feel. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025

Breyer is set to hold a hearing Friday on whether to issue an indefinite injunction. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 20 June 2025

Investors must understand that such investment could be illiquid for an indefinite period of time. —Kristen Wisneski, Billboard, 12 June 2025

On Tuesday, Mayor Karen Bass announced an indefinite dusk-to-dawn curfew in a square mile of downtown. —Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 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