indeterminacy

noun

in·​de·​ter·​mi·​na·​cy ˌin-di-ˈtər-mə-nə-sē 

-ˈtərm-nə-

: the quality or state of being indeterminate

Examples of indeterminacy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, the indeterminacy of their detention had become its own form of torture. — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

At times, Nicolas’s evasiveness on the subject seems indistinguishable from his ideological indeterminacy. — Nat Segnit, Harpers Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026

The whole point of us working in in collaboration is to look forward to these moments when this kind of indeterminacy happens, either because of a thunderstorm or the other person’s intervention. — John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026

This orchestrated indeterminacy underscores the instability of objects and images, of language and experience. — Elizabeth Mangini, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing indeterminacy

• indeterminacy principle

Rhymes for indeterminacy

• determinacy

Kids Definition

indeterminacy

noun

in·​de·​ter·​mi·​na·​cy ˌin-di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nə-sē 

: the quality or state of being indeterminate