Meaning of the word open-ended in English

What does open-ended mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

open-ended

US /ˌoʊ.pənˈen.dɪd/
UK /ˌəʊ.pənˈen.dɪd/

Adjective

1.

having no predetermined limit or conclusion; flexible

Example:
The discussion was open-ended, allowing everyone to share their thoughts freely.
They decided to take an open-ended approach to the project, adapting as they went along.
2.

allowing for a variety of responses or interpretations; not restricted to a single answer

Example:
The survey included several open-ended questions to gather detailed feedback.
An open-ended question encourages a more elaborate response than a yes/no question.