Postponed indefinitely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Postponed indefinitely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when an event or action has been delayed with no specific rescheduled date in mind. Example: "The meeting has been postponed indefinitely due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Integration is postponed indefinitely.

The Economist

Parliamentary elections were postponed indefinitely in March.

The Economist

However, the project was postponed indefinitely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All exchange openings are postponed indefinitely.

The New York Times

A court case has been postponed indefinitely.

The Guardian

Mr Bossi has postponed indefinitely its annual rally.

The Economist

Only last November its second summit was postponed indefinitely.

The Economist

That rendezvous plan has now been postponed indefinitely.

The Guardian

At Hedberg's request, however, the news conference was postponed indefinitely.

The New York Times - Sports

The Cowboys' game yesterday against Texas Tech was postponed indefinitely.

The New York Times - Sports

Its publication has now been postponed indefinitely, the publisher says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "postponed indefinitely" when you want to convey that an event or decision has been delayed and there is no current plan to reschedule or resume it. It indicates a higher degree of uncertainty than a simple postponement.

Common error

Avoid using "postponed indefinitely" when the delay is known to be temporary or when there is a reasonable expectation of rescheduling. Use phrases like "temporarily delayed" or "rescheduled for [date]" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "postponed indefinitely" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the manner or extent to which something has been postponed. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes the action of postponing without specifying a new date or time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "postponed indefinitely" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a delay without a specific future date. As stated by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial modifier, and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While its register is neutral, it's important to avoid using it when a temporary delay is expected. Alternatives such as "delayed without a set date" or "on hold for the foreseeable future" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Delayed without a set date

Focuses on the lack of a specific date for resumption.

Suspended for an unspecified duration

Emphasizes suspension and the unknown length of the delay.

Rescheduled without a firm date

Highlights the rescheduling aspect, but lacks a fixed date.

Put off without a new date

A more casual way of saying something has been delayed.

Deferred to a later time

A more formal way of saying postponed.

Adjourned sine die

A formal, legal term for indefinite postponement.

On hold for the foreseeable future

Indicates the delay is expected to last for a significant period.

Shelved indefinitely

Suggests the idea is being put aside, possibly permanently.

Frozen for the time being

Suggests a temporary delay, but with no clear end in sight.

Terminated without prejudice

Implies ending something without affecting future possibilities to restart it.

FAQs

How is "postponed indefinitely" different from "canceled"?

"Postponed indefinitely" implies a possibility of resumption at some unspecified future time, while "canceled" suggests a complete termination with no expectation of revival. A cancellation is more final than something "postponed indefinitely".

What are some situations where "postponed indefinitely" is commonly used?

This phrase is often used in news and official announcements regarding events, projects, or decisions that have been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, logistical challenges, or lack of resources. Examples include elections, construction projects, and meetings.

Which is more formal, "postponed indefinitely" or "delayed indefinitely"?

"Postponed indefinitely" tends to be slightly more formal than "delayed indefinitely", although both are acceptable in professional and neutral contexts. The choice often depends on the overall tone and style of the writing.

What can I say instead of "postponed indefinitely" to sound more optimistic?

If you want to convey a more optimistic tone, you could use phrases like "on hold for the time being" or "deferred to a later time", which suggest the delay is temporary and that the event will eventually resume.