1
not used before a noun
: having a strong feeling that you are going to do something and that you will not allow anyone or anything to stop you
—often followed by to + verb
They are determined to find out the cause of the accident.
Her early failures made her even more determined to succeed.
We are determined not to let it happen again.
We were bound and determined [=very determined] to finish the project on time.
—often + thatWe are determined that it will never happen again.
2
: not weak or uncertain : having or showing determination to do something
He is a very determined [=resolute] opponent.
We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes.
a determined smile
Cite this Entry
“Determined.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/determined. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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