indefinite

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'indefinite' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is not specific or determined, or when referring to something that does not have a fixed limit or end. Example sentence: The company offered me an indefinite contract, meaning I could stay with them for as long as I wish.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The Lib Dems have already championed their commitment in 2010 by ending indefinite detention and are now willing to introduce a time limit alongside resettling 1,500 Syrian refugees and ending the use of pain as a form of restraint".

The Guardian

This latter goal was long-term, a cosmic struggle, possibly indefinite and certainly undefinable in terms of time.

The Guardian

The indefinite incarceration is a breeding ground for mental health issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

More recently, a report from the centre-right think tank Civitas also argued for rents to be held to inflation levels and indefinite tenancies to be offered as the norm.

The Guardian

They say there is "no effective system in place" to detect children and adolescents at risk because of "the deleterious effect of indefinite detention" and "no child specific mental health services on the island (i.e. no paediatric psychologist or psychiatrist)".

The Guardian

A recent all-party inquiry described the practice of indefinite detention as "expensive, unnecessary and unjust".

The Guardian

A Tory cabinet minister was dramatically confronted by a woman who escaped genocide in Bosnia at an election rally after he refused to commit to ending indefinite detention of asylum seekers.

The Guardian

Organisers said the protest's high turnout reflected the exasperation felt among many people after the general election result – Labour had promised to ban indefinite detention – but also follows a particularly tumultuous month for a facility plagued by damaging allegations since it opened in 2001.

The Guardian

The lengths of tenancy agreements elsewhere range from indefinite in Germany to two years in Hong Kong.

The Guardian

As they stand, most free and open online business models rest on a grotesque inequality between what is given by the many – detailed, constantly updated personalised data – and what is taken by the few: profit, knowledge, and the indefinite and largely unaccountable possession of both.

The Guardian - Opinion

He subsequently stabbed in the eye Roy Whiting, the killer of eight-year-old Sarah Payne, and was a couple of weeks ago given an indefinite sentence with a notional five-year minimum jail term to serve in addition to his whole-life sentence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing agreements or contracts, use "indefinite" to indicate that the terms are not time-bound. For instance, an "indefinite" contract means there is no fixed end date.

Common error

Avoid using "indefinite" when you mean "infinite". "Indefinite" means lacking a specific limit, whereas "infinite" means literally without any limit at all. For example, using "infinite" detention instead of "indefinite" detention changes the meaning to indicate there is absolutely no possibility of release.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indefinite" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate a lack of specified limits or clarity, which is consistent with how Ludwig AI presents the word's usage and meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indefinite" is a commonly used adjective that indicates a lack of specific limits or clarity. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and applicable in numerous contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific writing. It's crucial to differentiate "indefinite" from "infinite", as the former implies an unspecified limit that can still end, while the latter suggests no limit at all. When writing, ensure the usage aligns with the intended meaning of uncertainty or a lack of defined duration. The word has been used in a variety of contexts showing flexibility and wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undefined

Highlights the absence of a clear definition or limit.

not definite

States directly the lack of definiteness.

not specific

Focuses on the lack of particularity or detail.

undetermined

Implies that a duration or limit has not yet been established.

unspecified duration

Focuses on the lack of a defined timeframe.

unclear

Indicates a lack of clarity or precision regarding duration.

unfixed period

Emphasizes the absence of a determined length of time.

open-ended

Implies a lack of pre-set conclusion or limit.

unlimited time

Highlights the absence of restrictions on duration.

long-term

Suggests an extended but not necessarily limitless duration.

FAQs

How can I use "indefinite" in a sentence?

You can use "indefinite" to describe something that is not clearly determined or defined, such as "The project was put on "indefinite hold"" or "The contract has an "indefinite duration"".

What's the difference between "indefinite" and "infinite"?

"Indefinite" means without a specified limit, implying it could end but the end is not determined. "Infinite" means without any limit at all, suggesting it goes on forever. For example, an "indefinite" delay may eventually end, while an "infinite loop" in programming never stops.

What are some synonyms for "indefinite"?

Some synonyms for "indefinite" include "unspecified", "unclear", "undefined", or "undetermined". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "an indefinite" or "a indefinite"?

The correct form is "an indefinite". Since "indefinite" starts with a vowel sound, the article "an" is used instead of "a".