What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shelved
Example
The company has shelved the new product launch until next year. [shelved: verb]
Example
The library has a collection of shelved books on various topics. [shelved: adjective]
Example
The plan to renovate the office has been shelved due to budget constraints. [shelved: past participle]
deferred
Example
The meeting has been deferred to next week due to scheduling conflicts. [deferred: verb]
Example
The student has deferred their enrollment until next semester. [deferred: past participle]
Example
The company has deferred the payment of bonuses until the end of the year. [deferred: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deferred is more commonly used than shelved in everyday language, and it is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shelved and deferred?
Both shelved and deferred are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
