determined

1 of 2

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd 

dē-

1

: having reached a decision : firmly resolved

was determined to become a pilot

is determined not to let it happen again

2

a

: showing determination

a determined effort

b

: characterized by determination

… will deter all but the most determined thief.

—Security World

determinedly

di-ˈtər-mənd-lē 

-mə-nəd-lē, 

dē-

adverb

determinedness

di-ˈtər-mənd-nəs 

dē-

noun

determined

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of determine

Synonyms of determined

Adjective

• resolute
• intent
• decisive
• resolved
• confident
• bound

Examples of determined in a Sentence

Adjective

We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes.

his determined opponent would not be bluffed or shaken

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The game, originally set to be shown on ESPN, with its new kickoff time will be live on the ESPN App in its entirety in addition to a to-be-determined ESPN network. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026

Zaslav and the Warner board drove a hard bargain, rejecting a series of takeover offers by Paramount CEO David Ellison that started at $18 a share in cash with the offer propelled ever higher by the determined Ellison. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

But the Oscar-winning writer of 2010’s The Social Network remained determined not to go back to that well. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

But the Tarrant Democratic base seems to be more determined to win the county seat. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see determine

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing determined

• bound and determined
• self-determined

Rhymes for determined

• predetermined
• redetermined
• undetermined
• overdetermined
• termined

Kids Definition

determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd 

1

: having reached a decision : firmly resolved

determined to be a pilot

2

: not weak or uncertain

a very determined opponent

determinedly

-mən-dlē 

-mə-nəd-lē

adverb