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 Her score was a suite of themes generated around Chisholm’s relationships with underpinnings of determination, ambition and, most importantly, her love of country. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 In recent weeks, Haley’s campaign had telegraphed her campaign would make a final determination about whether to continue based on the primary results from Super Tuesday. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024 The death of Cameron J. Williams at Waupun Correctional Institution last October has been ruled a stroke, according to a medical examiner’s determination released Tuesday. Vanessa Swales, Journal Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2024 Kevin Cross, a spokesperson for Xcel, said the investigations are ongoing and there's been no official determination on the cause of the fires. USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 Mulligan is an extraordinary lead, combining vulnerability with clear-eyed determination. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2024 The fact that some offenders succeed despite the obstacles is a testament to their courage and determination. Tj Hutchinson, The Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Imposing duties drives up the cost of business for so many of these effectively voiceless U.S. companies, the financial impact on whom must not be taken into consideration by the U.S. International Trade Commission – the agency rendering the injury determination. Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Computer science calls this the winner determination problem, and in a decentralized setting, it is called the oracle problem. Korok Ray, Forbes, 23 Feb. 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 18 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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