Indefinitely vs. Indefinite — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 24, 2024
Indefinitely refers to an unspecified period, often implying no set end, while indefinite describes something vague or lacking clear boundaries.
Difference Between Indefinitely and Indefinite
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Indefinitely refers to doing something for an unknown or unstated length of time, suggesting it could potentially continue forever. Whereas, indefinite is an adjective used to describe things that are not fixed, clear, or clearly defined in terms of limits or conditions.
Indefinitely is commonly used in the context of time, especially when the duration of an event or action cannot be predicted or is left open-ended. On the other hand, indefinite can refer to anything lacking precise, clear, or established limits, such as an indefinite boundary.
Indefinitely can imply a sense of prolongation without any hint of resolution or conclusion. While, indefinite may describe situations, quantities, or qualities that are ambiguous or vague, not just limited to time.
Indefinitely often appears in scenarios where decisions or actions are delayed or extended beyond usual limits. Whereas, indefinite might be used to describe concepts, measures, or plans that are intentionally left flexible or unclear.
Indefinitely tends to suggest an element of waiting or continuation that might not be resolved. Whereas, indefinite describes a state or quality of being uncertain or undefined, which can apply to various contexts beyond time.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective
Definition
For an unspecified or unlimited duration
Lacking clear limits or boundaries
Usage in Time
Specifically refers to duration
Broadly refers to various undefined aspects
Implication
Potential to continue forever or very long
Unclear or vague details
Example Context
Decisions postponed indefinitely
An indefinite agreement
Compare with Definitions
Indefinitely
Continuing for an unknown length of time.
The series is on hold indefinitely.
Indefinite
Unclear or vague in extent.
The contract terms are indefinite.
Indefinitely
For an unspecified period of time.
The project has been postponed indefinitely.
Indefinite
Not fixed or limited in scope.
The meeting had an indefinite agenda.
Indefinitely
Without exact limits.
Access to the building is indefinitely restricted.
Indefinite
Not clearly defined or determined.
She gave an indefinite answer.
Indefinitely
In a manner not clearly defined in time.
They've stopped production indefinitely.
Indefinite
Lacking precise limits.
There is an indefinite number of solutions.
Indefinitely
Without any foreseeable end.
He moved abroad indefinitely.
Indefinite
Ambiguous or uncertain.
His indefinite plans made scheduling difficult.
Indefinitely
For an unlimited or unspecified period of time
Talks cannot go on indefinitely
Indefinite
Lasting for an unknown or unstated length of time
They may face indefinite detention
Indefinitely
Unclear; vague.
Indefinite
Not clearly expressed or defined; vague
An indefinite number of generations
Indefinitely
Lacking precise limits
An indefinite leave of absence.
Indefinite
Unclear; vague.
Indefinitely
Uncertain; undecided
Indefinite about their plans.
Indefinite
Lacking precise limits
An indefinite leave of absence.
Indefinitely
In a manner that is not definite.
An indefinitely determined fossil
Indefinite
Uncertain; undecided
Indefinite about their plans.
Indefinitely
For a long time, with no defined end.
Indefinite
Without limit; forever, or until further notice; not definite.
Indefinitely
Forever.
Indefinite
Vague or unclear.
She gave an indefinite answer which nobody really understood.
Indefinitely
In an indefinite manner or degree; without any settled limitation; vaguely; not with certainty or exactness; as, to use a word indefinitely.
If the world be indefinitely extended, that is, so far as no human intellect can fancy any bound of it.
Indefinite
Undecided or uncertain.
I'm still indefinite about what I'm going to study at college.
Indefinitely
To an indefinite extent; for an indefinite time;
This could go on indefinitely
Indefinite
(mathematics) Being an integral without specified limits.
Indefinite
(linguistics) Designating an unspecified or unidentified person or thing or group of persons or things
The indefinite article
Indefinite
(grammar) A word or phrase that designates an unspecified or unidentified person or thing or group of persons or things.
Indefinite
Not definite; not limited, defined, or specified; not explicit; not determined or fixed upon; not precise; uncertain; vague; confused; obscure; as, an indefinite time, plan, etc.
It were to be wished that . . . men would leave off that indefinite way of vouching, "the chymists say this," or "the chymists affirm that."
The time of this last is left indefinite.
Indefinite
Having no determined or certain limits; large and unmeasured, though not infinite; unlimited; as, indefinite space; the indefinite extension of a straight line.
Though it is not infinite, it may be indefinite; though it is not boundless in itself, it may be so to human comprehension.
Indefinite
Boundless; infinite.
Indefinite and omnipresent God,Inhabiting eternity.
Indefinite
Too numerous or variable to make a particular enumeration important; - said of the parts of a flower, and the like. Also, indeterminate.
Indefinite
Vague or not clearly defined or stated;
Must you be so indefinite?
Amorphous blots of color having vague and indefinite edges
He would not answer so indefinite a proposal
Indefinite
Not decided or not known;
Were indefinite about their plans
Plans are indefinite
Common Curiosities
What does it mean when something is postponed indefinitely?
It means the event or action is delayed without a new date set, and it may not occur for a long time, if ever.
How do you use indefinite in a sentence?
Example: He was given an indefinite suspension from the team.
How do you use indefinitely in a sentence?
Example: The concert has been postponed indefinitely due to unforeseen circumstances.
What is the main difference between indefinitely and indefinite?
Indefinitely is an adverb meaning for an unknown length of time, while indefinite is an adjective describing something vague or unclear.
Can indefinitely and indefinite be used interchangeably?
No, because indefinitely refers specifically to time durations, whereas indefinite describes broader uncertainties or vague conditions.
Is there a positive connotation to using indefinitely?
It can be neutral or negative, often depending on the context; indefinitely may imply an undesirable delay.
Is indefinitely always related to time?
Yes, indefinitely typically involves time-related contexts where the duration is unknown.
What type of events are typically described as postponed indefinitely?
Events that are postponed indefinitely are usually those for which rescheduling is uncertain, such as due to ongoing issues or lack of resources.
What are some synonyms for indefinitely?
Permanently, endlessly, forever are some synonyms that capture the aspect of an undefined time duration.
Does indefinite always imply a lack of clarity?
Yes, indefinite inherently involves a lack of precision or clarity.
Can indefinite refer to anything other than time?
Yes, indefinite can refer to anything lacking clear limits or definitions, not just time.
How does indefinitely impact planning?
Using indefinitely can complicate planning processes, as it provides no clear end-point or resolution time.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
