indeterminate
This term describes a state of suspension where a definitive answer or boundary is missing. It carries a neutral to clinical tone, often used in technical, legal, or scientific contexts to denote a lack of precision or a failure to reach a conclusion. In specialized fields, it takes on precise meanings: in mathematics, it refers to expressions like 0/0 that lack a single value, while in botany, it describes plants that lack a terminal bud and thus grow indefinitely.
Meanings
Not exactly known, established, or defined.
"The date of the meeting remains indeterminate for now."
Not fixed or limited; capable of growing or changing without a known end point.
"Some plants exhibit indeterminate growth, continuing to produce stems and flowers throughout the season."
Unable to be clearly identified or categorized.
"The witness provided an indeterminate description of the suspect's height."