an uncertain situation that you cannot control and in which there is no progress or improvement, a dance from the West Indies in which dancers move under a bar while leaning backwards and without touching the floor with their hands or feet

in limbo, dance the limbo, be in limbo between

Formal and Informal Expressions of limbo

In different contexts, you can replace 'limbo' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'uncertainty, quandary' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'stuck, in a bind' is a commonplace synonym.

limbo: Explore its Definition & Usage

limbo Definition

1an uncertain situation that you cannot control and in which there is no progress or improvement
2a dance from the West Indies in which dancers move under a bar while leaning backwards and without touching the floor with their hands or feet

Using limbo: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "limbo" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The project is stuck in limbo due to budget cuts.
Example
The negotiations have been in limbo for months.
Example
The company's future is in limbo until the court case is resolved.

limbo Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for limbo

Antonyms for limbo

Phrases with limbo

in limbo
in a state of uncertainty or neglect, with no progress or improvement
Example
The proposal has been in limbo for weeks, with no decision made yet.
dance the limbo
to perform the dance from the West Indies in which dancers move under a bar while leaning backwards and without touching the floor with their hands or feet
Example
At the party, we danced the limbo and had a lot of fun.
be in limbo between
to be caught between two situations or choices, unable to make a decision or take action
Example
She was in limbo between staying at her current job or accepting the new offer.

Origins of limbo

from Latin 'limbus', meaning 'edge' or 'boundary'

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Summary: limbo in Brief

The term 'limbo' [ˈlɪmbəʊ] refers to an uncertain situation with no progress or improvement. It can describe a project, negotiation, or company's future, as in 'The project is stuck in limbo due to budget cuts.' 'Limbo' also denotes a dance from the West Indies where dancers move under a bar while leaning backwards and without touching the floor with their hands or feet. The phrase 'in limbo' means in a state of uncertainty or neglect, while 'be in limbo between' describes being caught between two situations or choices.