indefinite
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for indefinite, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Without a fixed end point or limit in time.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Without a fixed end point or limit in time.
“The strike continued for an indefinite period.”
Opposites
2. adj
Vague, unclear, or not precisely specified.
“He gave an indefinite answer when asked about his plans.”
How to use indefinite
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
indefinite leave
postponed indefinitely
an indefinite article
Etymology
From Latin indefinitus, "not defined," from in- ("not") + definitus ("defined, limited").
Full origin of indefinite →Frequently asked questions
What does “indefinite” mean?
The word “indefinite” means without a fixed end point or limit in time. In plain terms, not fixed or clearly stated — could refer to time (no set end) or meaning (vague).
How do you pronounce “indefinite”?
“Indefinite” is pronounced ihn-DEH-fih-niht (/ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “indefinite” in a sentence?
Here is “indefinite” used in a sentence: “The strike continued for an indefinite period.”
What is another word for “indefinite”?
Words with a similar meaning to “indefinite” include vague.
What part of speech is “indefinite”?
“Indefinite” is an adjective.
Where does the word “indefinite” come from?
The word “indefinite” comes from Latin. From Latin indefinitus, "not defined," from in- ("not") + definitus ("defined, limited").
Is “indefinite” a common word?
“Indefinite” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “indefinite” have?
“Indefinite” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: without a fixed end point or limit in time.
