Word
indefinitely
Phoneticsin·def·i·nite·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈdɛfənətɫi/
UK/ɪndˈɛfɪnətli/
Adverb of time
Definitions
01without a fixed end date
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. for a long time, or forever, without a planned date to stop.
adv. for an unlimited or unspecified period of time; without a predetermined conclusion.
Español:indefinidamente
“The local library is closed indefinitely while they repair the roof.”
“The negotiations have been postponed indefinitely, as neither side is currently willing to make the necessary concessions to return to the table.”
Usage
usually follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'forever'. While it can mean forever, it more often implies that the end date simply hasn't been decided yet.
Antonyms
02in a vague way
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. in a way that is not clear or exact.
adv. in a vague, imprecise, or ill-defined manner.
“He spoke indefinitely about his plans, so I still don't know what he wants to do.”
“The report was phrased so indefinitely that it was impossible to determine who was actually responsible for the error.”
Usage
often modifies verbs of speaking or describing.
Teaching tip
This sense is much rarer than the temporal one; in modern English, 'vaguely' is almost always preferred.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Yet people often assume green roofs will continue working indefinitely after installation without stopping to consider the work involved in keeping them alive.” “Starting at this moment and indefinitely, classes are suspended in all educational institutions,” said Mauricio Salazar .” Etymology
From indefinite + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/indefinitely
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0