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

In broad terms, an indefinite employment relationship is presumed to be terminable at the will of either party. — William Jones, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

But that arrangement became effectively indefinite, with successive heads of Tigray’s interim administration appointed by Abiy. — Alemayehu Fentaw Weldemariam, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026

Spain’s government has pledged to announce housing measures Tuesday, as protesters call for indefinite rental contracts and an end to evictions when no alternative housing is available. — Alicia León, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract covers initial procurement and future orders of PrSM Increment 2, along with follow-on production and continued development. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 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