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

Paraguay’s largest teachers union, which has more than 40,000 members, plans to begin an indefinite national strike Monday to press for protection of public pension funds. — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Struggles with multiple health issues in recent months lead me to take an indefinite leave of absence from PTI and NBA duties on ESPN and ABC. — Kyle Wagner, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026

The bar was shut down for the weekend, but now faces an indefinite closure. — Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

In July, Jacob Bickelhaupt’s lawyers asked that he be released from jail while the case is on an indefinite hold due to Nadia Bickelhaupt’s ongoing medical issues. — Zoey Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 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