Indeterminate
mediumin-dih-TER-mih-nit
adjective
Definition
Not exactly known, established, or defined; vague
Examples
“The project was delayed for an indeterminate period.”
“The cause of the illness remained 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
vacillate
To waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive
nebulous
In the form of a cloud; vague or ill-defined
ephemeral
Lasting for a very short time; transitory
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