determined

adjective

de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd How to pronounce determined (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of determinednext
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 How to pronounce determined (audio)
-mə-nəd-lē
dē-
adverb
determinedness noun

Examples of determined in a Sentence

We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes. his determined opponent would not be bluffed or shaken
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Otis is determined to make a run to the podium at state after watching Oliver do just that last season, finishing fifth in Class 2A at 138. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026 Despite the scrutiny, John was determined to live as an ordinary New Yorker — often biking through the city and carving out his own professional path by launching George magazine, which ran from 1995 to 2001. Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026 Officer secured the firearm, which was later determined to be unloaded, police said. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2026 But Luis is determined to continue the search for his daughter and decides to follow a caravan on to the next site despite their protestations that his van is not up for the journey. ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for determined

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of determined was circa 1616

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Determined.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determined. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

determined

adjective
de·​ter·​mined di-ˈtər-mənd How to pronounce determined (audio)
1
: having reached a decision : firmly resolved
determined to be a pilot
2
: not weak or uncertain
a very determined opponent
determinedly
-mən-dlē How to pronounce determined (audio)
-mə-nəd-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on determined

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster