Indeterminate
Not fixed or known; not able to be precisely determined or defined.
adjectiveIndeterminate
Not fixed or known; not able to be precisely determined or defined.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine waiting for a weather forecast where the exact temperature is unknown; the forecast says conditions are indeterminate and could swing in either direction, so you can't commit to a number yet.
Sounds Like
in-DER-tuh-muh-nit
Looks Like
resembles 'indefinite' or 'undetermined'
Remember This
The prefix in- means not, and determin- means to decide; indeterminate = not decided. In math, indeterminate forms (like 0/0) require further analysis.
Other Forms
Connect With
uncertain, undetermined, indefinite, ambiguous, vague, indeterminacy
Note
Common in math, science, and everyday language to describe outcomes or values that have not yet been fixed. Distinguish indeterminate from indefinite: indeterminate implies the value exists but is not yet fixed; indefinite often emphasizes vagueness.
Study Deeper
- The exact date of the ceremony is indeterminate, as records are incomplete.
- The test results are indeterminate without a larger sample size.
From Latin indeterminatus (not determined), formed from in- (not) + determinare (to determine).
IN + DETERMINATE = NOT DETERMINED. Remember it by picturing a judge pausing before delivering a verdict—the decision is indeterminate.
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Fastidious
adjectiveVery particular about details; meticulous to the point of being hard to please.
Flippancy
nounDisrespect; a lack of seriousness or a casual, frivolous attitude toward important matters.
Dour
adjectiveSullen, gloomy, stern, or hard; describes a mood, demeanor, or atmosphere that is unfriendly or severe.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Ambiguous
adjectiveOpen to more than one interpretation; not clear or definite.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.