indeterminate

• Qualifie ce qui n'est pas précisément connu, défini ou fixé ; vague, incertain ou non déterminé.

Describes something that is not exactly known, defined, or fixed; vague or uncertain.

1. Not precisely known or fixedB2formal

   Not exactly known, established, or decided; vague or uncertain.

   indéterminé

   • The project's timeline remains indeterminate due to funding issues.
   • The cause of the error was indeterminate at first.
   • Her indeterminate answer left everyone confused.

   Synonymesimpreciseindefiniteinexactuncertainundefinedundeterminedunestablishedunfixedunknownunsettledunspecifiedvague

   Antonymescertaindecideddefinitedeterminateestablishedfixedknownprecisesettledspecific

2. Unclear or ambiguousB2formal

   Having a nature that is not clear or definite; open to interpretation.

   indéterminé, vague, ambigu

   • The painting had an indeterminate shape, making it hard to identify.
   • His motives were indeterminate, leading to suspicion.
   • The outcome of the negotiation is still indeterminate.

   Synonymesambiguousequivocalimpreciseindefiniteuncertainunclearundefinedundeterminedunsettledvague

   Antonymescleardefinitedeterminateexplicitprecisespecific

3. Botany: continuous growthC1formalscientific

   Describing a plant or inflorescence that continues to grow at the tip, not limited by a terminal bud.

   indéterminé (botanique)

   • Tomato plants have an indeterminate growth habit, requiring staking.
   • Indeterminate varieties of beans produce flowers and pods over a long period.
   • The botanist studied the indeterminate inflorescence of the species.

   Synonymesindefiniteopenracemose

   Antonymesdeterminate

4. Without a definite resultB2formal

   Not leading to a fixed or final conclusion or outcome.

   Sans résultat défini

   • The experiment yielded indeterminate results, requiring further testing.
   • The discussion was indeterminate, ending without a decision.
   • His indeterminate health status worried his family.

   Synonymesinconclusiveindefiniteopen-endeduncertainundeterminedunresolvedunsettled

   Antonymesconclusivedecisivedefinitedeterminatefinalresolvedsettled