indeterminate
adjective
in·de·ter·mi·nate
ˌin-di-ˈtər-mə-nət 
-ˈtərm-nət
1
a
: not definitely or precisely determined or fixed : vague
b
: not known in advance
c
: not leading to a definite end or result
2
: having an infinite number of solutions
a system of indeterminate equations
3
: being one of the seven undefined mathematical expressions {latex}\frac{0}{0}, \frac{\infty}{\infty}, \infty \cdot 0, 1^{\infty}, 0^{0}, \infty^{0}, \infty - \infty{/latex}
4
: characterized by sequential flowering from the lateral or basal buds to the central or uppermost buds
also
: characterized by growth in which the main stem continues to elongate indefinitely without being limited by a terminal inflorescence compare determinate sense 4
Did you know?
When you determine something, you decide on what it is, which means you put limits or boundaries on its identity. So something indeterminate lacks identifying limits. A mutt is usually the product of indeterminate breeding, since at least the father's identity is generally a mystery. A painting of indeterminate origins is normally less valued than one with the painter's name on it. And if negotiations are left in an indeterminate state, nothing has been decided.
Examples of indeterminate in a Sentence
an indeterminate number of people
Recent Examples on the Web
The moment came and went; a noise rose, of indeterminate temper.
—
Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
He was sentenced to 1.5 years fixed and 6.5 years indeterminate.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 21 Feb. 2025
Either way, bush-type or determinate growing plants are usually easier to keep inside than large, indeterminate, or vining varieties of tomatoes.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024
In the other, a woman, her face weathered to an indeterminate age and framed by a black hijab, stares into the camera.
—Eve Sampson, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indeterminate
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Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
He was sentenced to 1.5 years fixed and 6.5 years indeterminate.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 21 Feb. 2025
Either way, bush-type or determinate growing plants are usually easier to keep inside than large, indeterminate, or vining varieties of tomatoes.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024
In the other, a woman, her face weathered to an indeterminate age and framed by a black hijab, stares into the camera.
—Eve Sampson, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indeterminate
Cite this Entry
“Indeterminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indeterminate. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
indeterminate
adjective
in·de·ter·mi·nate
ˌin-di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nət
1
: not clearly or exactly decided : vague
indeterminate plans
2
: not leading to a clear end or result
indeterminately
adverb
indeterminateness
noun
Medical Definition
indeterminate
adjective
in·de·ter·mi·nate
ˌin-di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nət
: relating to, being, or undergoing indeterminate cleavage
an indeterminate egg
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