Indefinitely Meaning: Definition, Postponed Indefinitely & Examples

Here is Indefinitely at a glance:

Indefinitely vs. Infinitely: What’s the Difference?

Indefinitely vs. infinitely: both involve “no limits,” but on different axes. Indefinitely is about time or extent being unspecified – “postponed indefinitely” (no date set). Infinitely is about being endless or immeasurable – “infinitely patient” (patience without bounds). You can be suspended indefinitely (until a decision) but not “infinitely” (that would be a philosophical claim). Memory trick: indefinite = not defined; infinite = not finite.

What Are the Synonyms and Antonyms of Indefinitely?

• Synonyms: endlessly, ceaselessly, for an indefinite period, without limit, open-endedly
• Antonyms: temporarily, briefly, momentarily, for a fixed term

Endlessly suggests it feels long; indefinitely just states no limit is set. For contracts, “for an indefinite period” is the precise alternative. Related time vocabulary: MB meaning covers a very different kind of measurement.

How Do You Use Indefinitely in a Sentence?

Six examples:

1. “The concert has been postponed indefinitely.”
2. “He was suspended indefinitely pending investigation.”
3. “We could wander the city indefinitely and never get bored.”
4. “The library will remain closed indefinitely.”
5. “She plans to work remotely indefinitely.”
6. “This offer won’t last indefinitely – decide soon.”

Is Indefinitely Rude? Tone & Register Check

Is indefinitely rude? No – it is neutral and factual. But it can carry anxious undertones in bad news: “suspended indefinitely” or “closed indefinitely” sounds ominous precisely because no end is promised. In happy contexts (“we’ll keep the tradition going indefinitely”) it sounds warm and open-ended. Register check: neutral, slightly formal.

What Does Indefinitely Mean? The Full Definition

Indefinitely is an adverb meaning for an indefinite period – without a defined limit or end. “She decided to stay indefinitely.” It describes situations that continue until something changes them: a show “renewed indefinitely,” a meeting “postponed indefinitely,” a player “suspended indefinitely.”

Note the nuance: indefinitely suggests no scheduled end, not no end ever. A flight delayed indefinitely might leave in an hour; one delayed “forever” never leaves. That distinction matters in news, contracts, and HR announcements. For another time-related word, see our modality meaning guide.

Headlines love “indefinitely” because it sounds decisive while committing to nothing: “Tour postponed indefinitely” keeps hope alive without promising a date. But readers hear the ambiguity – which is why the phrase often sparks anxious speculation. If you are writing the announcement yourself, pair it with what is known (“postponed indefinitely; refunds available now”) to keep trust intact.

For the full dictionary entry, see Cambridge.

How Can You Use Indefinitely in Everyday Conversation?

“Indefinitely” is common in news and official announcements, and perfectly natural in everyday speech too: “I’m staying at my parents’ indefinitely” instantly communicates “no end date, don’t ask.” It is more precise than “forever” and less dramatic.

In texts and casual chat it works fine, though “for now” or “until further notice” are chattier alternatives. Use indefinitely when the lack of an endpoint is the point.

Common Mistakes People Make With Indefinitely

• Reading “indefinitely” as “forever.” It means “with no set end” – the situation usually does end eventually.
• Confusing it with “infinitely.” Indefinitely = unspecified duration; infinitely = without any limit at all.
• Using it where “temporarily” fits. If you know roughly how long, say so – “indefinitely” specifically signals you don’t know.

Where Did the Word Indefinitely Come From?

Indefinitely is built from in- (“not”) + definite (“having exact limits”) + -ly (adverb ending). Definite itself comes from Latin definitus, “defined, having boundaries” – so “indefinitely” literally means “in a not-bounded way.” The adjective indefinite appeared in English in the 1500s; the adverb followed as writers needed a way to describe open-ended time.

FAQs About Indefinitely

What does indefinitely mean in simple terms?

It means for an unknown or unlimited amount of time – with no fixed end date. “Closed indefinitely” = closed until someone decides to reopen.

What does “postponed indefinitely” mean?

The event is on hold with no rescheduled date. It is not cancelled – it’s in limbo until a new plan is announced.

Does indefinitely mean forever?

Not exactly. Forever means never-ending; indefinitely means the end is simply not specified. Most “indefinite” situations do eventually resolve.

What is the difference between indefinitely and infinitely?

Indefinitely = no defined limit (usually time). Infinitely = truly without limit or end. “Infinitely” is stronger and more absolute.

Is indefinitely formal?

Slightly. It’s standard in news, business, and official statements, but perfectly fine in everyday speech too.

What does “indefinite leave” mean at work?

Time off with no fixed return date – often used in HR for suspensions or long-term leave pending a decision. It signals “until further notice,” not “forever.”

Key Takeaways

• 🌟 Indefinitely = for an unspecified time, with no fixed end.
• It does not mean forever – just “no date set.”
• From in- (not) + definite (having limits).
• Common in news: “postponed/suspended/closed indefinitely.”
• Don’t confuse with infinitely (truly without limit).

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Mia Walker

Hi, I’m Mia Walker, a Content Research Writer at Hublioo.com with 3+ years of experience in creating educational language content.

I enjoy breaking down complex words, internet slang, abbreviations, and everyday expressions into clear, practical explanations that anyone can understand.

My focus is on delivering original, easy-to-read, and well-organized content that helps readers expand their vocabulary and use English with greater confidence.