adj
indefinite
ihn-DEH-fih-niht
adj
1
Without a fixed end point or limit in time.
"The strike continued for an indefinite period."
"Her visa allows an indefinite stay in the country."
2
Vague, unclear, or not precisely specified.
"He gave an indefinite answer when asked about his plans."
How to Use Indefinite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot fixed or clearly stated — could refer to time (no set end) or meaning (vague).
Common mistake
In grammar, "indefinite article" refers to "a/an" (as opposed to "the," the definite article) — don't confuse the grammar sense with the general meaning of "vague."
Common pairings
indefinite leave
postponed indefinitely
an indefinite article
Word Forms
more indefinite comparative, indefinites plural, most indefinite superlative
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The strike continued for an _____ period.
Etymology
From Latin indefinitus, "not defined," from in- ("not") + definitus ("defined, limited").