indefinite future

USAGE SUMMARY

'indefinite future' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in situations when a future event or occurrence is known to occur, but the exact timing is uncertain. For example, "We must prepare ourselves for an indefinite future of economic and environmental uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is not an indefinite future however.

The Economist

Gunn's team may have clients for the indefinite future.

The New Yorker

Thus, our efforts ended for the indefinite future.

The New York Times - Arts

Generally, property given by testament cannot be tied up by the testator for an indefinite future.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ms. Cuomo said the Italian program now has financing "for the indefinite future".

The New York Times

Or perhaps they will remain as challenges into the indefinite future.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He understood very well that weapons were a deadly threat to humanity for the indefinite future.

The New York Times

Clearly, productivity and profits are expected to stay high for the indefinite future.

The New York Times

The French were understandably concerned with keeping Germany down for the indefinite future.

The New York Times - Books

Not to mention, of course, that these sufferings will continue for an indefinite future.

The New York Times

The result is a sea of red ink that now stretches into the indefinite future.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indefinite future" when you want to convey a sense of uncertainty or a lack of specific timeline regarding future events or conditions. It is suitable for discussing long-term impacts and strategic planning.

Common error

Avoid using "indefinite future" when you actually mean the "foreseeable future". "Foreseeable future" refers to a period that can be reasonably predicted, while "indefinite future" implies a much longer or uncertain timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indefinite future" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as an object of a preposition (e.g., "into the indefinite future", "for the indefinite future"). It specifies a period of time that is not defined or limited. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indefinite future" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to denote a period of time that is not precisely defined or limited. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequency and versatility make it appropriate for diverse contexts, notably in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When using "indefinite future", ensure that you intend to convey a sense of uncertainty about the duration of events, distinguishing it from the "foreseeable future", which implies a more predictable timeframe. Understanding the nuances between similar phrases like "uncertain future" and "unspecified future" will enhance your writing precision. This phrase serves effectively in scenarios requiring discussions of long-term impacts and strategic planning without specific timelines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unspecified future

Emphasizes the lack of specific details about the future.

unforeseeable future

Highlights the inability to predict what the future holds.

distant future

Focuses on the remoteness of the future being discussed.

uncertain times ahead

Shifts the focus to the uncertainty associated with the future period.

indeterminate period

Uses a more formal tone to denote a duration without fixed limits.

unknown timeline

Indicates that the timing of future events is not known.

unpredictable future

Stresses the potential for surprises and unexpected changes in the future.

limitless horizon

Suggests that the possibilities in the future are vast and unbounded.

long-term outlook

Highlights the perspective of planning and strategy over an extended duration.

open-ended timescale

Denotes a timeframe that has no pre-determined conclusion.

FAQs

How to use "indefinite future" in a sentence?

You can use "indefinite future" to describe situations where the timeline is unknown or unlimited, for example, "The project has been postponed into the "indefinite future" due to funding issues." or "We need to consider the long-term effects of climate change and prepare for an "indefinite future" of rising sea levels".

What can I say instead of "indefinite future"?

You can use alternatives like "unspecified future", "unforeseeable future", or "distant future" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "indefinite future" or "infinite future"?

"Indefinite future" is generally preferred over "infinite future" because "indefinite" implies a lack of a fixed end point, while "infinite" suggests a truly never-ending period. While both suggest a long time, "indefinite future" is the more common and widely understood term.

What's the difference between "indefinite future" and "uncertain future"?

"Indefinite future" refers to a timeline that is not precisely defined, while "uncertain future" emphasizes the unpredictability of events. You might use "indefinite future" when discussing a plan with no set end date, and "uncertain future" when discussing potential risks and changes.