Vocabulary word Indeterminate - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Adversity and Obstacle

Learning activities:

Boundaries and Limits

Learning activities:

Irregular and Unpredictable

Learning activities:

Unclear and Uncertain

Learning activities:

Uniformity and Consistency

Learning activities:

Dictionary Definition of indeterminate

Uncertain, not fixed, or not capable of being determined.
"The length of the project was indeterminate, with no clear end in sight."

Detailed Meaning of Indeterminate

It can be used to describe a situation, a state of affairs, or a physical characteristic that is not definite or clear. In mathematics, indeterminate refers to a value or an expression that can't be determined because the limit of the function is infinite. In the context of physics, indeterminate means that the result of an observation or measurement is not precise or certain. It can also be used to describe a situation or an outcome that is not clear or decided, such as an indeterminate election result.

In general, the term indeterminate refers to something that is uncertain, not fixed, or not capable of being determined. It implies that there is a lack of clarity or precision, and that the outcome or result is not definite or known.

Example Sentences for Indeterminate

1. The outcome of the experiment remains indeterminate.
2. Her future plans are still indeterminate at this point.
3. The cause of the fire is still indeterminate.
4. The time of his arrival is indeterminate; he's often late.
5. The weather forecast for next week is indeterminate.
6. The exact cost of the project is indeterminate until we finalize the budget.

Origin and Etymology of Indeterminate

The adjective 'indeterminate' has its origins in Latin. It can be broken down into two key components: 'in,' which means 'not,' and 'determinatus,' derived from 'determinare,' meaning 'to determine' or 'to set limits.' So, etymologically, 'indeterminate' signifies something that is 'not determined' or 'not fixed.' This aligns with its modern usage, where it describes something uncertain or not capable of being precisely determined. The word's etymology underscores its inherent sense of ambiguity and lack of a clear, defined outcome or limit, making it a fitting term to express situations or concepts that lack certainty or decisiveness.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective indeterminate:

fixed

certain

uncertain

definite

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Indeterminate

1. The answer to that question is indeterminate; it depends on many factors.
2. The length of the meeting is indeterminate; we'll adjourn when done.
3. The origins of the ancient artifact are indeterminate.
4. His feelings toward the matter are indeterminate.
5. The extent of the damage is indeterminate until further inspection.
6. The resolution to the issue remains indeterminate.
7. The deadline for the project is indeterminate; we need an extension.
8. Her health condition is still indeterminate; more tests are needed.
9. The arrival time of the train is indeterminate due to delays.
10. The cause of his illness is indeterminate; doctors are investigating.
11. The impact of the new policy is indeterminate; it's too early to tell.
12. The conclusion of the investigation is indeterminate for now.
13. The availability of the product is indeterminate until it's restocked.
14. The winner of the competition is still indeterminate pending the judges' decision.
15. The outcome of the election was indeterminate, with no clear winner.
16. She had an indeterminate feeling about her future, unsure of what path to take.
17. He had an indeterminate sense of time, unable to gauge how long he had been waiting.
18. She had an indeterminate idea of what she wanted to do with her life.
19. The cause of the illness was indeterminate, with no clear diagnosis.
20. The judge sentenced the fraudster to an indeterminate prison stretch of three to five years.
21. He had an indeterminate sense of direction, unsure of where he was headed.
22. The outcome of the experiment was indeterminate, with no clear results.
23. She had an indeterminate sense of self, struggling to find her identity.
24. The duration of the event was indeterminate, with no set end time.
25. He had an indeterminate sense of purpose, unsure of his goals.
26. The number of attendees was indeterminate, with no clear count.