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

President Trump issued a hiring freeze for new IRS employees for an indefinite period and required the release of all probationary employees employed by the agency for two years or less. —Cindy McGhee, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

Originally planned for wider release, the semi-acoustic performance is yet to see the light of day, with the band’s split with Interscope Records assumed by fans to be the reason for its indefinite delay. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 14 May 2025

Managing assets for routine distributions emphasizes an area less critical for long-term investors only seeking capital appreciation with indefinite holding periods: income. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 12 May 2025

The principle allows those who are in custody to challenge the legality of being held in custody — helping prevent indefinite and unlawful imprisonment. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 10 May 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