Word
determination
Phoneticsde·ter·mi·na·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/dɪˌtɝməˈneɪʃən/
UK/dɪtˌɜːmɪnˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01persistence and willpower
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the quality of mind that makes you continue trying to do something even when it is very difficult.
n. the quality of being resolute or firm in purpose; the mental fortitude required to achieve a goal despite obstacles.
“It took great determination to finish the marathon in such heavy rain.”
“Her determination to succeed in the competitive world of classical music was evident in her rigorous eight-hour daily practice schedule.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02official decision
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. an official decision made by a court or a person in authority.
n. the formal act of settling or terminating a controversy by a judicial or authoritative decision.
“The committee will make a final determination on the case next week.”
“The court's determination that the contract was invalid effectively ended the three-year legal battle between the two corporations.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of' or 'that'.
03calculating or finding out
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Academic · Technical
n. the process of calculating, measuring, or discovering something exactly.
n. the act of establishing or identifying something through observation, calculation, or scientific research.
“The determination of the exact age of the fossil took several months.”
“Accurate determination of the chemical composition of the soil is essential before any construction can begin on the site.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “determination” in context.
Verb
01. admire her determination
“Everyone in the office admired her determination to finish the project on time.”
verb + possessive + noun
02. show determination
“The young athlete showed great determination to win the race despite her injury.”
verb + noun
03. strengthen his determination
“The initial failure only served to strengthen his determination to succeed.”
verb + possessive + noun
Adjective
04. dogged determination
“Her dogged determination eventually led to a breakthrough in the scientific research.”
adj + noun
05. grim determination
“The soldiers continued their march with grim determination despite the freezing weather.”
adj + noun
06. sheer determination
“He managed to reach the summit through sheer determination and hard work.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. determination to succeed
“Her determination to succeed in the competitive industry was evident to everyone.”
noun + infinitive
08. sense of determination
“A new sense of determination swept through the team after the coach's speech.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
09. with determination
“She walked into the interview room with determination and a bright smile.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“They are in our hearts and we are going to tend to people with our full determination,” he said.” “But engineers don’t have all the data in hand to make a final determination.” Etymology
From Middle English determinacion, determynacioun, from Old French determinacion, from Latin dēterminātiō. Morphologically determine + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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