interminable wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interminable wait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a wait that feels endless or excessively long, often in a frustrating context. Example: "After an interminable wait at the airport, we finally boarded our flight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The interminable wait!

The Washington Post

It is likely to be an interminable wait.

The New York Times

For fans like me, it has been and will continue to be an interminable wait.

The New York Times - Magazine

Where some see an interminable wait, he sees an invigorating walk.

The New York Times

Clausen's interminable wait was over -- perhaps a full round later than most people expected.

The New York Times

The day had begun with so much hope and an interminable wait.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The interminable waiting.

The Guardian

But riders now face a new type of trade-off: packed trains, crowded platforms, interminable waits.

The New York Times

Those innocuous phrases often mask a world of private pain: tearful interviews, angry confrontations, threats of violence, shocking revelations and interminable waiting, waiting, waiting.

The Guardian - Books

So began one of those interminable waits, interspersed with pathetic requests of, 'Mum... when are you going to open the Melba sauce?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her legendary dedication to clients remains seemingly undiminished by decades of prison visits and interminable waits for judgments in gloomy courthouse corridors.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "interminable wait" to vividly express frustration or impatience with a delay that seems excessively long. The phrase adds emotional weight to the description.

Common error

While "interminable wait" is correct, reserve it for situations where a more formal or emphatic tone is appropriate. In casual conversation, consider simpler alternatives like "long wait" or "never-ending wait".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "interminable wait" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "interminable" modifies the noun "wait". It describes the quality of the wait as being seemingly endless and frustrating, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "interminable wait" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys frustration with a seemingly endless delay. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread use in News & Media, indicating a neutral register suitable for general writing. Alternatives like "lengthy delay" or "never-ending wait" exist, but "interminable wait" adds a stronger sense of impatience. While the phrase is valid, be mindful of context and tone, as Ludwig suggests, and consider simpler options for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seemingly endless wait

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the subjective feeling of the wait.

never-ending wait

Highlights the perception of the wait as unending.

lengthy delay

Focuses on the extended duration of the wait.

extended delay

Focuses on the fact that the delay has been prolonged.

never-ending delay

Emphasizes the lack of an expected end to the delay.

indefinite delay

Implies uncertainty about when the delay will end.

protracted delay

Highlights the extended duration of the delay.

long drawn-out delay

Emphasizes the tedious and slow nature of the delay.

endless queue

Implies a long line of people, objects or activities, suggesting a long wait.

extended period of waiting

Highlights the duration of the waiting time.

FAQs

How can I use "interminable wait" in a sentence?

You can use "interminable wait" to describe a delay that feels excessively long and tedious. For example: "After an "interminable wait" at the DMV, I finally got my license renewed."

What are some alternatives to "interminable wait"?

Alternatives include "lengthy delay", "never-ending wait", or "protracted delay". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "interminable wait" formal or informal?

"Interminable wait" leans towards the formal side, suitable for writing or situations where you want to emphasize the excessive length and frustration of the delay. Less formal options include "long wait" or "endless wait".

What's the difference between "interminable wait" and "long wait"?

While both describe a delay, "interminable wait" suggests a greater degree of frustration and the perception of the wait as being excessively and tiresomely prolonged. "Long wait" is a more neutral description.