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

The group famously went on to be enormously successful, but took an indefinite hiatus in 2016, and the members pursued solo projects. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Nov. 2025

The band had initially gone on an indefinite hiatus in 2012, and played a few farewell shows at The Observatory in Santa Ana. —Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 26 Nov. 2025

Those who pass industry-specific proficiency tests can then qualify for a second tier of SSW, which offers indefinite visa renewals, family-reunification rights, and a path to permanent residency. —Gracia Liu-Farrer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025

The award is structured as a cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract and will remain in effect through October 2030. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 17 Nov. 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