Indeterminate
mediumNeutral tonein-dih-TER-mih-nit
adjective
Definition
Not exactly known, established, or defined; vague
Memory hook
IN-DETERMINATE: NOT DETERMINED — vague, undefined, with no clear boundaries.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The project was delayed for an indeterminate period.”
“The cause of the illness remained indeterminate.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The project was delayed for an ______ period.”
Show answer
indeterminate
Categories
GRE Tip
Indeterminate is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "uncertain" or "ambiguous" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "definite".
Related GRE Words
tentative
Not certain or fixed; provisional; hesitant or uncertain
equivocal
Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous
ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something
precarious
dangerously insecure or unstable; uncertain
nebulous
In the form of a cloud; vague or ill-defined
vacillate
To waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive
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