# shelved

/ˈʃɛɫvd/ (US) · /ʃˈɛlvd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shelved
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

describing a plan or project that has been stopped or put on hold for a long time. It is like putting a book on a shelf because you are not ready to read it yet.

For teachers: describing a project, plan, or proposal that has been postponed or indefinitely suspended. Often used predicatively after 'be' or 'remain' to indicate a lack of current activity.

## Examples

- The plans for the new park are shelved for now.
- After the budget cuts were announced, the expansion project was shelved until the next fiscal year.
- Although the initial proposal was shelved due to public opposition, the committee remains hopeful that a revised version might be reconsidered in a more favourable political climate.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'remain', or 'stay'.

---

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.