indefinite hiatus

USAGE SUMMARY

"indefinite hiatus" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a pause or break in an activity or process that has no set end date. Example: "The band announced an indefinite hiatus after their last tour." Alternative expressions include "unspecified break" and "open-ended pause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But what does "indefinite hiatus" mean?

The Guardian - Music

Mumford & Sons have announced an indefinite hiatus.

The Guardian - Music

Please note: The Readings in Capitalism and History seminars are on indefinite hiatus.

Princeton University

Mr. Lange has been on an indefinite hiatus from the show since December.

The New York Times - Arts

But all performances in the space were put on indefinite hiatus.

The New York Times

Jónsi Birgisson recently announced that he has placed his band, Sigur Rós, on "indefinite hiatus".

The Guardian - Music

In June 2006, a statement was issued thanking fans, and an "indefinite hiatus" ensued.

The Guardian - Music

From 1987 until 2002, when they announced an indefinite hiatus, Fugazi recorded almost every show they played.

The Guardian - Music

In 2011, it was announced that he and Gordon were divorcing, which inevitably meant an indefinite hiatus for Sonic Youth.

The Guardian - Music

After 'N Sync went on an indefinite hiatus, in 2002, Timberlake released his first solo record, "Justified".

The New Yorker

Critics of Goodwin's main band Doves – currently on indefinite hiatus – tend to portray the trio as comfortable indie plodders.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with verbs like "announce", "commence" or "embark on" for a professional tone.

Common error

Do not use "indefinite hiatus" if you have already set a return date. If you know you are returning in three months, use "three-month break" or "temporary hiatus" instead. Using "indefinite" specifically means the end point is unknown.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indefinite hiatus" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the direct object of a verb or following a preposition. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often completes the thought after verbs like "announced", "entered" or "placed on". Ludwig AI confirms this usage is standard and effective for describing a state of suspension without a defined end point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indefinite hiatus" is a staple of contemporary English, particularly within the realms of entertainment, arts and media. As shown by Ludwig, its use is prevalent among high-authority sources like The New York Times and The Guardian to describe a cessation of work that lacks a scheduled conclusion. While it is grammatically correct and versatile, it often carries a subtext of uncertainty—it is the language of 'limbo'. Whether used to describe a band's break or a legal case's stall, Ludwig AI confirms that it remains the most effective professional term for an open-ended suspension of activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undetermined hiatus

Almost identical in meaning, but places slightly more focus on the fact that a date has not been set.

unspecified break

Uses more common vocabulary and sounds slightly less formal than "hiatus".

uncertain hiatus

Highlights the lack of clarity regarding if or when the activity will ever return.

open-ended pause

Emphasizes that the duration is not yet decided but activity is expected to resume eventually.

indefinite suspension

Often implies that the stop was forced by an authority or external circumstance.

temporary cessation

A more technical or clinical way to describe a stop in operations or activities.

prolonged hiatus

Focuses on the expected long duration of the break rather than the lack of an end date.

period of inactivity

Describes the state of being quiet without the specific connotation of a planned break.

interminable hiatus

Suggests a break that feels like it will never end, often used with a hyperbolic or frustrated tone.

permanent hiatus

A common oxymoron often used as a polite way to signal a final breakup or termination.

FAQs

How do I use "indefinite hiatus" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a pause in a project or career, such as: "The podcast is going on an "indefinite hiatus" while the hosts focus on other ventures."

What is the difference between an "indefinite hiatus" and a breakup?

An "indefinite hiatus" implies the possibility of returning, whereas a "breakup" or "dissolution" suggests a permanent end. However, in the music industry, the phrase is often used as a euphemism for a permanent split.

What can I say instead of "indefinite hiatus"?

Depending on your tone, you could use "unspecified break", "open-ended pause" or "indefinite suspension".

Is it "on hiatus" or "in hiatus"?

The most common and correct preposition is "on". You would say a project is "on hiatus" rather than in it.