infinite loop

[/ɪnˈfɪnɪt luːp/]
nounpl: infinite loops
loop infinito
1. A sequence of instructions in a computer program that repeats indefinitely because the exit condition is never met or doesn't exist
The program crashed because of an infinite loop in the code.
O programa travou por causa de um loop infinito no código.
2. Any situation or process that repeats endlessly without resolution or progress
We're caught in an infinite loop of negotiations without reaching an agreement.
Estamos presos em um loop infinito de negociações sem chegar a um acordo.
3. A circular pattern of events where the end leads back to the beginning
The dialogue between them was an infinite loop of the same arguments.
O diálogo entre eles era um loop infinito dos mesmos argumentos.
This is primarily a technical term used in computer science and programming contexts across both Brazilian Portuguese and American English. In Brazil, 'loop infinito' is the standard technical terminology taught in computer science education. The term is metaphorically used in everyday Portuguese to describe repetitive or circular situations without resolution, similar to English usage. In programming education and tech industries in both countries, the English term is sometimes used directly even in Portuguese conversations due to the internationalization of software development.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
endless loopcontinuous loopnever-ending loopcircular reference
Antonyms / Antônimos
finite loopterminating loopbounded loop

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
loop infinito
Most common technical term used in Brazil
General Brazilian
ciclo infinito
Alternative but less common in programming contexts
Portugal
loop infinito
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; technical terminology is largely standardized
Portugal
ciclo sem fim
More colloquial alternative in non-technical contexts

Related Words

loop conditionexit conditioniterationrecursiondeadlockprogram termination

Related Idioms & Phrases

stuck in an infinite loop
break the infinite loop
escape from an infinite loop
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