indefinite number

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableformal

   A quantity that is not stated exactly or has no fixed limit.

   Grammar: Countable: an indefinite number of people. Often followed by 'of' and a plural noun.

   Patterns

   • an indefinite number of something
   • a large indefinite number

   An indefinite number of students signed up for the online course.

   The contract allows for an indefinite number of renewals.

   An indefinite number of species remains undiscovered in the deep ocean.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   In grammar, a word or phrase that expresses an unspecified quantity.

   Grammar: Technical use in grammar: 'some', 'many', and 'few' are indefinite numbers.

   Patterns

   • indefinite number words
   • express an indefinite number

   In English, words like 'several' and 'many' express an indefinite number.

   The teacher explained how indefinite numbers differ from exact figures.

Word forms

Common combinations

an indefinite number of

An indefinite number of people attended the free concert.

a large indefinite number

The survey found a large indefinite number of complaints.

an indefinite number of times

You can repeat the process an indefinite number of times.

Synonyms and how they differ

unspecified number

More neutral and common in everyday writing; 'indefinite number' sounds more formal and technical.

unknown quantity

Often used in mathematics; 'indefinite number' is more general.

Opposites

Word family

indefinite adjective

Not clearly stated or limited.

indefinitely adverb

For a period of time with no fixed end.

Commonly confused: indefinite number or infinite number?

Practice

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