indeterminate

The definition of indeterminate is something vague or not established.

(adjective)

When no one is sure what caused a fire to start, this is an example of when the cause is indeterminate.
When you add a pinch of sugar to a recipe but there's no set amount, this is an example of when the amount is indeterminate.
When a person is on probation until his behavior indicates he has become a law abiding citizen, this is an example of an indeterminate sentence.

See indeterminate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

not determinate; specif.,
1. inexact in its limits, nature, etc.; indefinite; uncertain; vague: an indeterminate amount
2. not yet settled, concluded, or known; doubtful or inconclusive
Bot. racemose

Origin: LL indeterminatus

Related Forms:

See indeterminate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

a. Not precisely determined, determinable, or established: a person of indeterminate age.
b. Not precisely fixed, as to extent, size, nature, or number: an indeterminate number of plant species in the jungle.
c. Lacking clarity or precision, as in meaning; vague: an indeterminate turn of phrase.
d. Not fixed or known in advance: an indeterminate future.
e. Not leading up to a definite result or ending: an indeterminate campaign.
Botany Not terminating in a flower and continuing to grow at the apex: an indeterminate inflorescence.