determination
noun
de·ter·mi·na·tion
di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 
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
Taking on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena is undoubtedly a tough challenge, one requiring visitors to have a combination of quality, gritty determination and a little luck.
—
Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
The committee considers several factors, when making its determinations, including real income, payroll employment, consumer spending, industrial production and gross domestic product.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
There are allegations on both sides and no further court determinations to decide who is telling the truth.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
June is very sad, and Serena offering her help doesn’t make anything better, but Serena is Glinda-like in her determination to assist.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for determination
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Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
The committee considers several factors, when making its determinations, including real income, payroll employment, consumer spending, industrial production and gross domestic product.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
There are allegations on both sides and no further court determinations to decide who is telling the truth.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
June is very sad, and Serena offering her help doesn’t make anything better, but Serena is Glinda-like in her determination to assist.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for determination
Cite this Entry
“Determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determination. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
determination
noun
de·ter·mi·na·tion
di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən
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
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
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