in limbo

idiom

1
: in a forgotten or ignored place, state, or situation
orphaned children left in limbo in foster homes and institutions
2
: in an uncertain or undecided state or condition
After graduating from college, he was in limbo for a while, trying to decide what to do next.

Examples of in limbo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While not all of those posts are from federal employees, the surge in content underscores how TikTok has become both a forum for federal workers in limbo and a source for the general public seeking information about the shutdown. Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025 In March, the administration hollowed out the department’s Office of Civil Rights — including entire investigative teams in the majority of regions — leaving thousands of pending cases in limbo, according to the New York Times. Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025 As of Thursday members of Congress had not reached a deal to fund the government, meaning many federal services remain in limbo. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025 Federal cases can take years to resolve, but an extended shutdown could exacerbate delays, leaving key public health matters in limbo. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for in limbo

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In limbo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20limbo. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!