Definition

Adverb: 1. For an unlimited or unspecified amount of time: Without a fixed or known end point in time. 2. To an unlimited or unspecified degree or extent: Without a fixed or known limit in amount, scope, or degree.

Usage Examples

• For an indefinite time:
  • The meeting was postponed indefinitely. (The meeting was delayed, and no new date was set or is known.)
  • She decided to stay in the city indefinitely. (She decided to stay, without setting a specific date for leaving.)
• To an indefinite extent:
  • The project's budget can be increased indefinitely. (The budget could be raised without a predefined upper limit, though this is often used hypothetically.)
  • You can divide the line indefinitely. (You can continue the process of division without reaching a final, indivisible point.)

Advanced Usage

• "go on indefinitely": To continue for a very long time, seemingly without end.
  • The negotiations could go on indefinitely if neither side compromises.
• "postponed/canceled/delayed indefinitely": A formal phrase indicating an action is suspended with no current plan or date for it to occur.
  • The construction of the new bridge has been delayed indefinitely due to funding issues.

Variants and Related Words

• Indefinite (Adjective): Not clearly defined, precise, or limited.
  • He was given an indefinite contract. (A contract without a specified end date.)
• Indefiniteness (Noun): The quality or state of being indefinite.

Synonyms

• Endlessly: Seemingly without end.
• Forever: For all future time; continually.
• Perpetually: In a way that never ends or changes.

Antonyms

• Definitely: In a definite manner; without doubt.
• Temporarily: For a limited period of time; not permanently.
• Finite: Having limits or bounds.

Related Phrases

• For the foreseeable future: For as long as can be reasonably predicted (often implies a long but not literally infinite period).
  • The office will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
• Sine die (Latin, used formally): With no appointed date for resumption; indefinitely.
  • The hearing was adjourned sine die.

Adverb

1. to an indefinite extent; for an indefinite time
   • this could go on indefinitely