Vocabulary in context
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Indeterminate
Not fixed or known; not able to be precisely determined or defined.
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Imagine 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.
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Sounds Like
in-DER-tuh-muh-nit
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Looks Like
resembles 'indefinite' or 'undetermined'
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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.
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Other Forms
indeterminacynoun
indeterminatelyadverb
indeterminatenessnoun
indeterminableadjective
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Connect With
uncertain, undetermined, indefinite, ambiguous, vague, indeterminacy
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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.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The exact date of the ceremony is indeterminate, as records are incomplete.
- The test results are indeterminate without a larger sample size.
Synonyms
uncertainundeterminedindefiniteambiguousvague
Antonyms
certaindefinitedecisive
Etymology
From Latin indeterminatus (not determined), formed from in- (not) + determinare (to determine).
Mnemonic
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.
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