Indeterminateness

Indeterminateness refers to the quality or state of lacking definite or fixed limits, character, or nature; a lack of precision, definition, or clarity. It signifies an absence of certainty, finality, or established boundaries, whether in terms of quantity, degree, form, or meaning. This can apply to a vast array of subjects, from the inherent uncertainty in scientific measurements to the ambiguous nature of artistic expression and the unpredictable outcomes of social events. Essentially, indeterminateness suggests that something remains open to various interpretations, possibilities, or changes, making definitive conclusions difficult or impossible.

Indeterminateness meaning with examples

• The financial markets are currently characterized by a high degree of indeterminateness. Economic indicators provide conflicting signals, and geopolitical instability adds further uncertainty. Investors struggle to predict future trends with any confidence, leading to volatile trading patterns and shifting strategies. This indeterminate environment demands adaptability and careful risk management from those seeking investment returns.
• The novel's ending deliberately embraced indeterminateness, leaving the reader to ponder the protagonist's fate and the ultimate meaning of the story. The author used ambiguous symbols and open-ended dialogue, refusing to provide easy answers. This allowed for varied interpretations, encouraging a deeper engagement with the themes of choice, consequence, and the search for truth.
• Quantum physics deals with phenomena that often exhibit a fundamental indeterminateness. The position and momentum of a particle, for example, cannot both be known with perfect accuracy simultaneously. This inherent uncertainty is not merely a limitation of measurement but a fundamental property of reality at the subatomic level, forcing physicists to rethink classical notions of cause and effect.
• The judge struggled with the indeterminateness of the evidence presented. Witness testimonies were inconsistent, and crucial documents were missing. Without sufficient clarity, a definitive verdict was challenging. Ultimately, the court had to consider the balance of probabilities and make a judgment based on the available, though incomplete, information, acknowledging the lingering uncertainty.