open-ended

/ˌəʊpən ˈendɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌəʊpən ˈendɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌō-pən-ˈen-dəd/ (ame, mw)

open-ended — adjective

1. left without a stated finish, firm limit, or single fixed result, so it can cont

1.形容詞B2
釋義

left without a stated finish, firm limit, or single fixed result, so it can continue or change as things happen.

例句

The charity signed an open-ended lease for the empty shop downtown.

collocation: open-ended + lease

Because the strike was open-ended, trains could stop for days or weeks.

predicative: be open-ended

同義詞
  • indefinite

    focuses on unknown length more than room for change

  • ongoing

    stresses that something is still continuing, not that its end was left unset

  • flexible

    emphasizes adjustability, not the absence of a finish date or limit

反義詞
  • fixed-term

    used when a contract, job, or similar arrangement ends on a stated date

  • time-limited

    emphasizes that a clear stopping point or cap has been set

  • bounded

    highlights that limits have been placed around an activity or result

文法句型

open-ended + lease

open-ended + project

open-ended + promise

be open-ended

用法筆記

Often used for agreements, plans, or discussions when the important point is that the finish line or limit has not been decided in advance. Distinguish this sense from adjective/2, which is about how a question is answered rather than how long something stays open.

常見錯誤

❌We need an open-end contract.
✅We need an open-ended contract.
💡the compound adjective uses ended, not end, before the noun.
❌The grant is temporary because no closing date was given.
✅The grant is open-ended because no closing date was given.
💡temporary only says it is not permanent; open-ended stresses that no end point has been set.

2. describes a question or task that invites people to answer in their own words in

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a question or task that invites people to answer in their own words instead of picking from fixed choices.

例句

The survey ends with three open-ended questions about bus safety.

collocation: open-ended + questions

During the interview, Ada asked an open-ended question about teamwork.

同義詞
  • free-response

    common in education for questions answered without choosing from listed options

  • open-response

    used especially in testing or survey design for answers written freely

  • essay-style

    suggests a longer written answer rather than a short chosen option

反義詞
  • multiple-choice

    requires the learner to choose from listed answer options

  • closed-ended

    allows only limited answer forms such as yes-no or set options

  • yes-no

    restricts the answer to a simple affirmative or negative response

文法句型

open-ended + question

open-ended + prompt

open-ended + task

be open-ended

用法筆記

Common in teaching, interviewing, and research. It usually modifies question, prompt, task, or item, and it contrasts with formats such as multiple-choice or yes-no questions. Distinguish this sense from adjective/1, which is about duration or limits rather than answer type.

常見錯誤

❌Please answer this open-ended question with yes or no.
✅Please answer this open-ended question in your own words.
💡open-ended questions expect a developed response, not a fixed yes-no reply.
❌The survey had three opened-ended questions.
✅The survey had three open-ended questions.
💡the compound adjective uses open, not opened.