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limbo

noun

/ˈlɪmbəʊ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of limbo

A state of uncertainty, ambiguity, or being in between two states or conditions.
"The project was in limbo as the funding had not yet been approved."

Detailed meaning of limbo

The term can be used to describe a state of being in which one is not fully included or excluded, or in which one is not fully accepted or rejected. It can also refer to a state of being in which one is not fully alive or dead, or in which one is not fully in or out of a particular situation or condition.

In some religious contexts, Limbo is the place where souls of the unbaptized, but not wicked, reside. It is a place of temporary punishment for those who are not condemned to eternal punishment in Hell, but also not yet admitted to Heaven.

Limbo can also refer to a state of being in which one is not fully aware or conscious, such as being in a state of semi-consciousness or a dreamlike state. The term can also be used to describe a state of being in which one is not fully committed or invested, such as being in a state of indecision or uncertainty. In short, Limbo refers to a state of uncertainty, ambiguity, or being in between two states or conditions, it can describe a state of being in which one is not fully included or excluded, or in which one is not fully accepted or rejected, it can also refer to a religious concept of a place where souls of the unbaptized reside, and also can be used in a more general sense to describe a state of being in which one is not fully aware or conscious or not fully committed or invested.

Example sentences containing limbo

1. After the interview, he was in limbo, anxiously waiting for a call back.
2. The project is in limbo until we receive the necessary funding approval.
3. Her application was in limbo, as the committee had yet to make a decision.
4. Many people feel in limbo when transitioning between jobs or careers.
5. The legislation remains in limbo, pending further review and amendments.
6. Their relationship was in limbo, neither moving forward nor ending.

History and etymology of limbo

The noun 'limbo' has an intriguing etymology that leads us to medieval Latin. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'limbus,' which originally referred to the edge or border. In religious contexts, it was used to describe a border region on the outskirts of Hell, a place where souls were believed to be in a state of uncertainty, neither in Heaven nor in Hell. Over time, 'limbo' expanded its meaning to signify any state of uncertainty, ambiguity, or being in between two states or conditions. This evolution in meaning reflects its modern usage, where it denotes a situation or condition characterized by a lack of clarity or definite resolution, capturing the sense of being on the edge or in a transitional state.

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Further usage examples of limbo

1. The athletes are in limbo, waiting for the final ruling on eligibility.
2. The town is in limbo while officials debate the new zoning laws.
3. He felt stuck in limbo, uncertain of his next step after graduation.
4. Pending a court ruling, the case remains in a state of limbo.
5. Several initiatives are in limbo due to the change in management.
6. I'm in limbo until I hear back about my medical test results.
7. Immigrants often find themselves in limbo, awaiting visa decisions.
8. My plans are in limbo until I know if I've been accepted to the program.
9. The peace talks are in limbo, making the situation increasingly volatile.
10. The artist felt in limbo, torn between different creative directions.
11. She's in limbo about her future, pondering several opportunities.
12. The building project is in limbo because of a dispute with contractors.
13. Our trip is in limbo due to travel restrictions and changing regulations.
14. The manuscript is in limbo as publishers decide whether to take it on.
15. The decision was in limbo as the board had not yet reached a consensus.
16. The bill was in limbo as the legislature had not yet voted on it.
17. The company's future was in limbo as the merger had not yet been finalized.
18. The refugees were in limbo as they waited for a decision on their asylum status.
19. The case was in limbo as the jury had not yet reached a verdict.
20. The negotiations were in limbo as the two sides had not yet reached an agreement.
21. The proposal was in limbo as the stakeholders had not yet given their approval.
22. The patient's condition was in limbo as the test results had not yet come back.
23. The team's season was in limbo as the league had not yet made a decision on the schedule.
24. The deal was in limbo as the terms had not yet been agreed upon.
25. The company's stock was in limbo as the market was uncertain about its future.