open-ended

(-endid)

adjective

  1. having no set limits as to duration, direction, amount, number, etc.; broad, unlimited, or unrestricted: an open-ended discussion
  2. open to change; allowing for modifications as things develop
  3. designating or of a question allowing for a freely formulated answer rather than one made by a choice from among predetermined answers

Related Forms:

See open-ended in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Not restrained by definite limits, restrictions, or structure.
  2. Allowing for or adaptable to change.
  3. Inconclusive or indefinite: “faintly bemused and uneasily open-ended about the whole horrible business” (Charles Michener).
  4. Allowing for a spontaneous, unstructured response: an open-ended question.

Related Forms:

  • oˈpen-endˈed·ly adverb
  • oˈpen-endˈed·ness noun

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