indefinite
ihn-DEH-fih-niht
Indefinite (adj) means Without a fixed end point or limit in time. Example: “The strike continued for an indefinite period.”
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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like indefinite.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- indefinites
- Comparative
- more indefinite
- Superlative
- most indefinite
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The strike continued for an _____ period.
Etymology
From Latin indefinitus, "not defined," from in- ("not") + definitus ("defined, limited").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for indefinite
See all rhymes for 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.
