WordLens

indeterminate

1 of 1adjective
/ˌɪndɪˈtɜrmɪnɪt/
Forms:more indeterminate,most indeterminate
1

not known, measured, or specified precisely

  • The future of the project remains indeterminate, as the team is still evaluating various factors.
  • His exact arrival time was indeterminate, leaving everyone unsure of when he would show up.
  • The jury’s verdict was indeterminate, leading to a mistrial and the need for a retrial.
  • The weather forecast provided only an indeterminate prediction of rain, with no exact details.
  • Her plans for the summer were still indeterminate, as she was waiting for confirmation on several options.
Synonyms:
inconclusiveundeterminedindecisive
Antonyms:
determinate
2

(of a plant) capable of continuing to grow at the apex without predetermined limits

  • Indeterminate tomato varieties keep producing fruit throughout the season.
  • The gardener prefers indeterminate vines for continuous flowering.
  • Indeterminate plants require regular pruning to manage size.
  • The cactus showed indeterminate growth at its tip.
  • Indeterminate shoots can extend indefinitely under favorable conditions.
Antonyms:
determinate
3

(of a quantity or equation) having no definite value

  • The equation is indeterminate and has infinitely many solutions.
  • The mathematician studied indeterminate forms in calculus.
  • The problem is indeterminate because it lacks enough constraints.
  • Indeterminate ratios often arise in algebraic expressions.
  • The variable x in the formula is indeterminate.
4

(of a judicial sentence) establishing a range of time within which the offender will serve their sentence, with the possibility of early release

  • In some cases, an indeterminate sentence may be more appropriate than a fixed term.
  • The judge took into account the potential for rehabilitation when deciding to impose an indeterminate sentence.
  • Indeterminate sentencing aims to balance punishment with rehabilitation.
  • The indeterminate aspect of the sentence allows for adjustments based on the offender's progress.
  • An indeterminate sentence allows for the possibility of early release, contingent upon the offender's behavior.