Indeterminate definition
- Inexact in its limits, nature, etc.; indefinite; uncertain; vague.An indeterminate amount.
- Not yet settled, concluded, or known; doubtful or inconclusive.
An indeterminate inflorescence.
An indeterminate number of plant species in the jungle.
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.
A person of indeterminate age.
An indeterminate turn of phrase.
An indeterminate future.
An indeterminate campaign.
Other Word Forms
Noun
Origin of indeterminate
- Middle English from Latin indēterminātus in- not in–1 dēterminātus determined determinate
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition