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
After 11 years of perseverance and determination, Rory McIlroy finally secured his elusive Grand Slam win, donning the iconic green jacket with tears of joy streaming down his face.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Then, on April 12, 1955, the results of the Polio Pioneers effort were announced, with the determination of at least a 90% level of protection, with no major side effects.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
In both, a scrappy frontier upstart fought off its former master, counting on home field advantage, capable allies, and sheer determination to secure victory.
—Tom Bell, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
Palestinians have rejected the proposal and expressed their determination to remain in their homeland.
—Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for determination
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Then, on April 12, 1955, the results of the Polio Pioneers effort were announced, with the determination of at least a 90% level of protection, with no major side effects.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
In both, a scrappy frontier upstart fought off its former master, counting on home field advantage, capable allies, and sheer determination to secure victory.
—Tom Bell, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
Palestinians have rejected the proposal and expressed their determination to remain in their homeland.
—Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 12 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 23 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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