indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˌ)in-ˈde-fə-nət 

-ˈdef-nət

: not definite: such as

a

: not precise : vague

an indefinite answer

b

: having no exact limits

an indefinite period of time

put on indefinite hold

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 of indefinite

• 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

Some people are being held for indefinite amounts of time in immigration detention. —Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026

The expansion has since been put on an indefinite hold over dispute between the project’s developers. —Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Mar. 2026

On Friday the board voted 7 to 0 to put Carvalho on indefinite leave and named senior administrator Andres Chait acting superintendent. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026

Under the current system, the inspector general is up for an indefinite number of reappointments to four-year terms by the commission. —Douglas Hanks march 3, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2026

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