limbo.

1. A condition of uncertainty or suspension in which progress or a definite status is lacking.

2. In some Christian theological traditions, a proposed condition or abode for certain souls outside the full blessedness of heaven.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• remain in limbo
• leave a decision in limbo

On the page

The missing report left the inquiry in limbo for another winter.

She lived in limbo between the promised return and the unanswered letters.

Usage notes

Primary category: horror. Forms: Usually uncountable. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings.