Word · CEFR C1 · Frequency #8406
indefinitely
/ɪnˈdefənətli/
adverb
无期限地
for an unlimited or unspecified period of time
- 1.
In a manner that is not definite.
以不确定的方式
- 2.
For a long time, with no defined end.
长时间地,没有明确的结束
- 3.
Forever.
永远
以不确定的方式；长时间地,没有明确的结束；永远
In use
The meeting was postponed indefinitely.
She decided to stay abroad indefinitely.
The project has been delayed indefinitely due to funding issues.
postpone sth indefinitely
The meeting was postponed indefinitely.
会议被无限期推迟。
continue indefinitely
The strike could continue indefinitely.
罢工可能无限期持续下去。
remain somewhere indefinitely
They agreed to remain in the country indefinitely.
他们同意无限期地留在该国。
Connections
Collocations
- postpone indefinitely
- 无限期推迟
- The meeting has been postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic.由于疫情，会议被无限期推迟。
- delay indefinitely
- 无限期延迟
- The project was delayed indefinitely after the funding was cut.资金削减后，该项目被无限期延迟。
- suspend indefinitely
- 无限期暂停
- The company decided to suspend operations indefinitely.该公司决定无限期暂停运营。
- continue indefinitely
- 无限期持续
- The contract will continue indefinitely unless either party cancels.除非一方取消，否则合同将无限期持续。
- last indefinitely
- 无限期持续
- Batteries stored in cool conditions can last indefinitely.存放在凉爽条件下的电池可以无限期使用。
Learner notes
Memory Tip
in (否定) + definite (确定的) + ly (副词后缀) → 不确定地 → 无期限地
Context & Register
语域：formal 常见场景：法律、正式协议、学术 通常用于正式或书面语境，如法律文件或协议中，表示时间无限期延长。
Grammar Note
用于修饰动词，表示动作或状态无限期持续，不可与具体时间状语连用。
Pronunciation & Spelling
Definitely rhymes with indefinitely (same stressed vowel /ɛ/ and ending /fɪnɪtli/). Infinitely and politely share the -itely spelling but have different stress patterns and vowel sounds.
Dictionary facts from ECDICT, OCTANOVE, WIKTIONARY.