What does indefinite mean?
Indefinite describes something that is not made definite, limited, or precisely specified. Its most common use refers to information, arrangements, or intentions that remain unclear: an indefinite answer may leave important questions unanswered, while an indefinite delay suggests that no firm endpoint has been established. In discussions of duration, indefinite means that the end of a period or arrangement is not fixed. The word also has a grammatical use for words and expressions that refer to a person, place, or thing without identifying a particular individual. This contrasts with definite, which signals specificity and precision. Although indefinite can imply that a situation is temporary because it has not yet been settled, it does not necessarily mean that it will last forever; that stronger idea is expressed by infinite. Indefinite is therefore useful whenever a distinction is needed between what is known to be limited or specified and what remains open.
Not specified, precisely determined, or limited; vague or lacking a fixed endpoint.
"The project has been delayed for an indefinite period."
In formal contexts, indefinite often contrasts with definite, limited, or fixed.
An unspecified person or thing; in grammar, the category of non-specific reference, contrasted with the definite.
"The teacher contrasted the indefinite with the definite during the lesson."
This noun use is uncommon outside grammatical and linguistic discussion.
The plural is rare and is chiefly applicable in grammatical or linguistic contexts.
"These indefinites refer to people whose identities have not been specified."
Indefinite comes from the same Roman root as definite and infinite: its prefix in- turns “defined” into “not defined.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indefinite come from?
Indefinite entered English from the Latin indefinitus, meaning “not defined,” with the prefix in- expressing negation and definitus meaning “defined.” The word has been used in English since the late Middle English period. Its relatives definite, finite, infinite, and definition belong to the same Latin family associated with definire, “to define” or “to set bounds.”
Related word forms
How indefinite is actually used
The word is standard in both formal and informal English. It is especially common in legal, administrative, academic, and technical contexts; in everyday speech it is often used more broadly to mean vague or undecided.
Easily confused with indefinite
Indefinite means unspecified or without a fixed limit, whereas definite means clearly identified, precisely defined, or limited.
Infinite means limitless and potentially endless, whereas indefinite may simply mean that a limit, duration, or identity has not been specified.