determined

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

Synonyms of determined

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

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

With the help of Cope’s first love, Lucy, the lawyer is determined to turn every skeleton out of the closet in his search for answers – and to find out whether Camille might still be alive. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026

Hernandez, whose death was ruled a suicide, was later determined to have had CTE and early brain atrophy. —Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026

But thanks to one very determined dog, Delp’s draft day celebration is now famous for an entirely different reason. —Sara Vallone, Charlotte Observer, 26 Apr. 2026

Parker fails to prevent the murder of his gentle uncle Ben from being murdered by a burglar, and becomes determined to use the powers bestowed by the spider's bite as a superhero, Spider-Man. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

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