- In a state of uncertainty, transition, or neglect; waiting for a decision or resolution that is delayed.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes from the theological concept of Limbo (Latin limbus, meaning edge or border). In some Christian traditions, Limbo was considered a state or place on the edge of Hell for souls (like unbaptized infants or righteous pre-Christian figures) who were not damned but could not enter Heaven.
- Metaphorically, it came to mean any intermediate, uncertain, or forgotten state.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Stuck. / In a rut. (Can imply lack of progress, similar feeling)
- Floating. (Suggests lack of direction or certainty)
- Twiddling my thumbs. (Implies waiting idly)
Vulgar/Emphatic (Expressing extreme frustration):
- This whole thing is fucked.
- Stuck in bureaucratic bullshit.
Milder/Formal:
- In a state of uncertainty.
- Awaiting resolution.
- Currently unresolved.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most informal and semi-formal contexts.
- The origin is theological, but the term is used secularly without religious connotation by most speakers. It's generally acceptable in business unless a more formal term like pending or unresolved is preferred.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Low risk. While the origin is specific, the metaphorical meaning of uncertainty or waiting is well-established and widely understood.
Examples
- The project is in limbo until we get budget approval.
- After the company restructuring, many employees felt they were in limbo.
- My application has been in limbo for weeks; I haven't heard anything.
Dialogue
Friend 1: Have you decided whether you're moving to London yet?
Friend 2: Not yet. My job offer is still pending final approval, so everything's kind of in limbo.
Friend 1: Oh, that's tough. Waiting around is no fun. Any idea when you'll know?
Friend 2: They said hopefully by the end of the week, but who knows.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: My travel plans are totally in limbo thanks to the flight cancellations. 😩 #travelnightmare
- Post: Feeling in limbo between finishing my degree and starting my career. Anyone else feel this way? #gradlife #uncertainty
- Comment: The new software update is in limbo while they fix the bugs.
Response Patterns
- Sympathy/Understanding: That must be frustrating. / Ugh, waiting is the worst. / I hate that feeling.
- Inquiry: Any idea when you'll hear back? / What's holding it up?
- Shared experience: Yeah, I was in limbo with my visa application for months.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says something is in limbo:
- People often ask about the cause of the delay: Why? What's the hold-up?
- Or the expected timeline: How long do you think it will take? / When are you expecting a decision?
- Or express hope for resolution: Hope you hear something soon.
After expressing sympathy (That must be frustrating):
- The original speaker might elaborate on their frustration or the uncertainty of the situation.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes the status of a situation, plan, or decision process.
Intonation
- Stress often falls on limbo.
- Usually said with a tone of frustration, uncertainty, or impatience.
- The whole plan is in LIMbo.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Universally understood and used in English-speaking regions.