determination

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce determination (audio)
1
a
law : a judicial decision settling and ending a controversy
the court's determination in that case
documents that will be used for the determination of ownership
judicial determinations
b
: the resolving of a question by argument or reasoning
Inspectors made the determination that the building is unsafe.
2
archaic : termination
3
a
: the act of deciding definitely and firmly
also : the result of such an act of decision
b
: firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end
a woman of great courage and determination
fierce determination to succeed
4
: a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude, value, or character of something: such as
a
: the act, process, or result of an accurate measurement
more precise determination of the size of the tumor
b
biology : an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal
5
philosophy
a
: the definition of a concept in logic by its essential constituents (see constituent entry 1 sense 2)
b
: the addition of a differentia to a concept to limit its denotation
6
: direction or tendency to a certain end : impulsion
7
biology : the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue

Examples of determination in a Sentence

What he lacked in talent he made up for in determination. The new instruments allow for more precise determination of the size of the tumor. The document will be used for determination of ownership.
Recent Examples on the Web In the face of physical health challenges, Maddy has displayed remarkable grit and determination. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 Our unity and action reflect our determination to stand up for what is right, ensuring our voices are heard loud and clear. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 From that void emerged Mrs. Foley’s faith and her determination to bring her son home. Jasper Davidoff, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mar. 2024 Those discoveries—and her determination that multiple boosters were needed for full immunity—were crucial to facilitating Salk’s development of the inactivated virus vaccine that still is in use today, some 70 years later. Alicia Ault, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 But rather than grant the plaintiff’s request for a speedy trial and determination, the judge set the next hearing for March 29 — more than three weeks after the primary election. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 But the court could also order trial Judge Tanya Chutkan to make that determination, thereby creating another round of pre-trial proceedings. Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024 How to Buy a Home With careful research and determination, the keys to that dream house can be yours. Michael Kolomatsky, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The film, filled with fierce battles and life lessons, showcases the determination to protect their sanctuary. Partner Content, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'determination.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of determination was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near determination

Cite this Entry

“Determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determination. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

determination

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce determination (audio)
1
: the act of coming to a decision
also : the decision or conclusion reached
2
: a settling or making sure of the position, size, or nature of something
determination of the position of a ship
3
: accurate measurement (as of length or volume)
4
: firm or fixed intention : firmness

Medical Definition

determination

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce determination (audio)
1
: a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude, quantity, value, or character of something: as
a
: the act, process, or result of an accurate measurement
b
: an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal
2
: the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue compare differentiation sense 2b

Legal Definition

determination

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion
: a decision of a court or administrative agency regarding an issue, case, or claim

More from Merriam-Webster on determination

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