Definition

Not clearly defined or determined; vague or uncertain in nature.

Example

The results of the experiment were indeterminate, making it hard to draw any conclusions.

Conversation

Do you remember that movie we watched last week?

Yeah, it was so confusing! The plot was really indeterminate at times.

Exactly! I couldn't figure out what was happening half the time.

Right? It felt like they left too many things open-ended.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Indeterminate → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "determinare" (meaning to determine). The word "indeterminate" means not having a fixed or definite limit or boundary.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') having a 'fixed limit' ('determinare') — that's why indeterminate means something that is not clearly defined.

Visually Confused Words