Simple Definition of open-ended

from our Learner's Dictionary

open-ended

adjective

1
: able to change : not ending in a certain way or on a certain date
"Our military presence in the region," he said, "should not be open-ended."
open-ended plans
2
: allowing people to talk in a way that is not planned or controlled
an open-ended conversation/discussion
You have to ask open-ended questions if you don't want people to answer simply "yes" or "no."

Cite this Entry

“Open-ended.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/open-ended. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

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