German word

unbestimmt

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊnbəʃtɪmt/

Meaning

  • adjectivevague

Example

Er gab eine unbestimmte Antwort.

He gave a vague answer.

Illustration for unbestimmt (vague)

More examples

Die Frist wurde auf unbestimmte Zeit verlängert.

The deadline was extended for an indefinite period.

Core concept

A label or answer has blurred edges, so its exact content and limits remain open.

Common phrases

  • auf unbestimmte Zeit

    for an indefinite period

  • eine unbestimmte Anzahl

    an indefinite number

  • in unbestimmter Form

    in an indefinite form

Similar words

vage: Expressing an idea without enough precision or specific detail.
unklar: Difficult to understand because the situation or content is not clear.
unsicher: Unsure of a decision or action and inclined to hesitate.
ungewiss: Not yet certain because the final result or future course is unknown.

Definition in German

So, dass etwas nicht klar festgelegt oder genau bestimmt ist.

Word origin

The word combines the negating prefix "un-" with "bestimmt", the past participle of "bestimmen" meaning to determine.

Usage tips

  • For a person's lack of confidence, German usually uses "unsicher"; "unbestimmt" more often describes wording, details, or boundaries.

Other meanings

  • indefiniteadjective

Opposites

  • bestimmtdefiniteadjective
  • präzisepreciseadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word