# indefinitely

/ˌɪnˈdɛfənətɫi/ (US) · /ɪndˈɛfɪnətli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/indefinitely
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. without a fixed end date

adverb · CEFR B2

for a long time, or forever, without a planned date to stop.

For teachers: for an unlimited or unspecified period of time; without a predetermined conclusion.

- 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.

### 2. in a vague way

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

in a way that is not clear or exact.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The local library is closed indefinitely for repairs.
- The trial has been postponed indefinitely while the lawyers wait for new evidence to be processed.
- Although the contract was originally intended to last for three years, the board voted to extend the partnership indefinitely to ensure long-term stability for the project.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.