Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not clearly defined, determined, or established: Refers to something that lacks precise limits, boundaries, or a fixed nature. It describes a state of being vague, uncertain, or not specified.
   • Lasting for an unknown or unstated length of time: Describes a duration that is not fixed or has no specified end point.
   • (Grammar) Designating a word (e.g., an article) that does not specify a particular or unique referent.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The meeting was postponed for an indefinite period. (The duration of the postponement is not specified or known.)
  • She gave an indefinite answer, saying she would think about it. (Her answer was vague and not conclusive.)
  • The plans for the new park are still indefinite. (The plans are not yet clearly defined or finalized.)
  • In English, "a" and "an" are indefinite articles. (These articles do not point to a specific noun.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be indefinite about something": To be uncertain or non-committal regarding a topic or plan.
  • The manager was indefinite about the possibility of raises this year.
• Indefinite as a quality: Used to describe abstract concepts with unclear boundaries.
  • The painting evoked an indefinite feeling of melancholy. (The feeling was vague and hard to pin down.)

Variants and Related Words

• Indefinitely (adverb): For an unspecified or unlimited period.
  • The project has been delayed indefinitely.
• Indefiniteness (noun): The state or quality of being indefinite.
  • The indefiniteness of the instructions caused confusion.

Synonyms

• Vague: Not clearly expressed or defined.
• Uncertain: Not able to be relied on; not known or definite.
• Unspecified: Not stated clearly or exactly.
• Ambiguous: Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.

Antonyms

• Definite: Clearly stated or decided; not vague.
• Specific: Clearly defined or identified.
• Fixed: Predetermined and not subject to change.

Related Phrases and Grammatical Terms

• Indefinite article: The grammatical term for "a" or "an," used before nonspecific singular countable nouns.
  • "A book" refers to any book, not a specific one.
• Indefinite pronoun: A pronoun (e.g., ) that does not refer to any specific person or thing.
  • Is there anything I can do to help?

Adjective

1. not decided or not known
   • were indefinite about their plans
   • plans are indefinite
2. vague or not clearly defined or stated
   • must you be so indefinite?
   • amorphous blots of color having vague and indefinite edges
   • he would not answer so indefinite a proposal