What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indefinitely
Example
The concert has been postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic. [indefinitely: adverb]
Example
We will be staying in this hotel indefinitely until we find a permanent place to live. [indefinitely: adverb]
permanently
Example
He lost his job and had to move out of the country permanently. [permanently: adverb]
Example
The earthquake damaged the building so severely that it had to be closed permanently. [permanently: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Permanently is more commonly used than indefinitely in formal contexts such as legal or official documents. However, indefinitely is more commonly used in informal contexts and everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indefinitely and permanently?
Permanently is more formal than indefinitely and is often used in legal or official documents to indicate a fixed or unchanging state that will last forever or for a very long time. On the other hand, indefinitely is more informal and flexible, allowing for the possibility of change or adjustment in the future.
