limbo — an uncertain period of awaiting a decision or resolution; an intermediate state
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an uncertain period of awaiting a decision or resolution; an intermediate state
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlɪmboʊ/
Example Sentences
- After graduating, I felt like I was in career limbo - too experienced for entry-level jobs but not experienced enough for senior positions.
- My grandmother thinks Wi-Fi is some kind of technological limbo where emails get lost.
- The application has been in bureaucratic limbo for six months - nobody knows which department should handle it.
limbo
NOUN[/ˈlɪmboʊ/]
an uncertain period of awaiting a decision or resolution; an intermediate state
an uncertain period of awaiting a decision or resolution; an intermediate state
Stuck in limbo between mambo dreams and combo meals
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin limbus, meaning 'edge' or 'border'. Originally used in Christian theology to denote an intermediate region between heaven and hell, particularly the abode of virtuous unbaptized souls. The term expanded in the 20th century to mean any ambiguous or uncertain state.
Breakdown
limbus (Latin: edge, border, boundary) → limbo (intermediate state or uncertain condition). The word retains its original sense of being at the edge or periphery, applied metaphorically to situations suspended between two states.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After graduating, I felt like I was in career limbo - too experienced for entry-level jobs but not experienced enough for senior positions.”
“My grandmother thinks Wi-Fi is some kind of technological limbo where emails get lost.”
“The application has been in bureaucratic limbo for six months - nobody knows which department should handle it.”
“My diet is in limbo because the gym is closed but the ice cream shop is still open.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.