indefinite promise

[/ˌɪndɪˈfɪnət ˈprɒmɪs/]
nounpl: indefinite promises
promessa indefinida
1. A commitment or assurance made without clear terms, specific timeframe, or definite conditions for fulfillment
He made an indefinite promise to help her someday, but never specified when or how.
Ele fez uma promessa indefinida de ajudá-la algum dia, mas nunca especificou quando ou como.
2. In legal or contractual contexts, a promise lacking clarity regarding performance, timeline, or measurable outcomes
The contract was deemed unenforceable due to the indefinite promise of future services.
O contrato foi considerado não executável devido à promessa indefinida de serviços futuros.
3. A vague or ambiguous commitment that may be interpreted in multiple ways
Her indefinite promise to stay in touch left him uncertain about their future relationship.
Sua promessa indefinida de manter contato o deixou incerto sobre o futuro do relacionamento.
In both Brazilian and American business cultures, indefinite promises are generally viewed negatively as they create uncertainty and lack legal enforceability. In personal relationships, such promises often indicate hesitation or insincerity. The concept is particularly important in contractual law, where specificity is required for enforceability.
NYC Slang
wishy-washy promise; empty promise
Synonyms / Sinônimos
vague promiseambiguous commitmentunclear pledgeopen-ended promisenon-specific assurance
Antonyms / Antônimos
definite promiseconcrete commitmentspecific pledgebinding agreementclear assurance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
promessa indefinida
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
promessa vaga
More colloquial alternative commonly used in speech
São Paulo
promessa sem prazo
Emphasizes the lack of timeframe in business and legal contexts
Portugal
promessa indefinida
Identical to Brazilian Portuguese; formal legal terminology

Related Words

promissorycommitmentobligationvaguenessambiguitycontractual termsenforcement

Related Idioms & Phrases

a promise in the air
all talk, no action
pie in the sky
talk is cheap
beat around the bush
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →