indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˌ)in-ˈde-fə-nət How to pronounce indefinite (audio)
-ˈdef-nət
: not definite: such as
a
: not precise : vague
b
: having no exact limits
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In return, holders get an initial six-month residence permit with indefinite renewal options. Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 The bigger problem for New York City are the outliers, the negligent or absentee building owners who prefer to pay for sheds for an indefinite period of time rather than pay for repairs. Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 14 Mar. 2025 Brock Pierce, who played the young version of Emilio Estevez's character in the first two Mighty Ducks movies, publicly offered the former broadcaster an indefinite stay at one of his mansions in the wake of her conservatorship battle. EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025 The agency now faces the lowest staffing in its decadeslong history, putting students awaiting help from the federal government in indefinite limbo nationwide. Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indefinite

Word History

Etymology

Latin indefinitus, from in- + definitus definite

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indefinite was in 1530

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indefinite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indefinite. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

indefinite

adjective
in·​def·​i·​nite (ˈ)in-ˈdef-(ə-)nət How to pronounce indefinite (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on indefinite

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