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

Trying to challenge Ovando’s deportation in immigration court could rack up thousands of dollars in legal fees and leave Ovando stuck inside the Stewart Detention Center for an indefinite period. — Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 10 Sep. 2026

She likely would have been sent to a secure state mental health facility for an indefinite period of time. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026

Production was initially on an indefinite pause as the Fast family mourned their loss. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2026

Mody’s comment about homeownership feeling indefinite captures a broader shift among renters who no longer view their unit as a temporary stop between leases and a mortgage. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 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