indefinite duration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indefinite duration" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has no specific or predetermined length of time. Example: "The contract stated that the project would have an indefinite duration, with no set end date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"As is the indefinite duration of the challenge".

The New Yorker

Or it can be a process of indefinite duration.

The Economist

For the first time, these strikes envisioned an air campaign against Afghanistan of indefinite duration.….

The Washington Post

Appointments to this rank are not normally intended to be of long-term or indefinite duration.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Appointments to this rank are of indefinite duration and are reviewed within every four-year period.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There might be hesitancy over losing a serving judge to an inquiry with an indefinite duration.

Independent

By contrast, atelic verbs such as "negotiate" or "think" denote actions of indefinite duration.

The Economist

Whether Guantanamo could have stayed out of controversy is questionable, particularly in a war of indefinite duration.

The Washington Post

IV epoprostenol treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been believed to require an indefinite duration of therapy.

Chest

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Indefinite-duration contracts may also provide protection while improving the flexibility to adjust the relationship to the changing environment.

International Review of Law and Economics

The results show that the probability of signing an indefinite-duration contract is related positively to the specificity of the activity and negatively to the degree of completeness of the contract and the uncertainty regarding future demand.

International Review of Law and Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indefinite duration", be sure the context clearly indicates that no specific end date or time limit is intended or known. Avoid using it when a rough estimate is available.

Common error

Don't use "indefinite duration" simply to mean 'a long time'. "Indefinite" means the duration is not determined or specified. If you're just implying something lasts for a while, other phrases like 'extended period' might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indefinite duration" functions as a noun phrase acting as an adjective modifier, typically describing another noun. It specifies that the noun it modifies (e.g., a contract, a treatment) has a time frame that is not predetermined or fixed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

33%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indefinite duration" is a phrase used to describe something that continues for an unspecified or unlimited amount of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It appears most frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, denoting the absence of a set endpoint. Related phrases include "unspecified time period" and "unlimited timeframe". When writing, remember that "indefinite" means truly undetermined, not just 'long'. The phrase functions as an adjective modifier, adding important context in describing contracts, treatments, and other ongoing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indeterminate length

Uses an alternative adjective to express the lack of a defined measurement.

unspecified time period

Replaces "duration" with a more general term for time, focusing on the lack of specific limits.

unlimited timeframe

Highlights the absence of restrictions on how long something lasts.

open-ended term

Emphasizes that the period is not fixed or predetermined.

extended period

Suggests a long but not necessarily limitless timeframe.

ongoing basis

Focuses on the continuous nature of something, rather than its total length.

unforeseen timeframe

Highlights that the period cannot be predicted.

protracted timescale

Implies that something is taking a very long time

sustained period

Implies consistency over a long time.

unquantified timeline

Stresses the absence of quantifiable measurements on something's lasting period.

FAQs

How can I use "indefinite duration" in a sentence?

You can use "indefinite duration" to describe events, contracts, or conditions that do not have a specified end time. For instance, "The study will continue for an indefinite duration".

What is a good alternative to "indefinite duration"?

Alternatives to "indefinite duration" include "unspecified time period", "unlimited timeframe", or "open-ended term". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a duration of indefinite time"?

While understandable, "indefinite duration" is the more common and concise phrasing. "A duration of indefinite time" is less direct and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "indefinite duration" and "long-term"?

"Long-term" implies a significant period, but still suggests a finite end, even if unspecified. "Indefinite duration" suggests that there's no predetermined end at all. For instance a "sustained period" can be deemed as something "long-term", whereas an "indefinite duration" lacks of any foreseeable ending.