Looking for synonyms for back burner? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say back burner.
- On hold
- In limbo
- Shelved
- Deferred
- Postponed
- Sidetracked
- Delayed
- In abeyance
- Pending
- Put off
- Suspended
- Tabled
- Adjourned
- Mothballed
- In the background
Want to learn how to say back burner professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. On hold
Used when a project or task is paused temporarily.
Example: “The expansion project has been put on hold until we secure more funding.”
2. In limbo
Describes a state of uncertainty or being on hold without a clear resolution.
Example: “Negotiations are currently in limbo, awaiting the competitor’s response.”
3. Shelved
Refers to projects or ideas that have been set aside, possibly to be revisited later.
Example: “The new software feature has been shelved due to budget constraints.”
4. Deferred
Used when something is postponed to a later time.
Example: “The decision on the merger has been deferred until the next quarter.”
5. Postponed
Indicates the delay of an event or activity to a future time.
Example: “The product launch has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.”
6. Sidetracked
Refers to diverting focus from a main task to something less important.
Example: “We were sidetracked by minor issues, delaying the project’s progress.”
7. Delayed
General term indicating that something has been made to occur later than planned.
Example: “The software update has been delayed due to technical issues.”
8. In abeyance
Formal term for a state of suspension or temporary disuse.
Example: “Discussions on the policy change are in abeyance until further notice.”
9. Pending
Used to describe something that is awaiting decision or settlement.
Example: “The application is still pending, as the review process is ongoing.”
10. Put off
Informal term for postponing or delaying something.
Example: “We’ve had to put off the team-building event until next month.”
11. Suspended
Refers to halting something temporarily, with the possibility of resuming later.
Example: “Operations were suspended due to the environmental impact concerns.”
12. Tabled
In U.S. English, means to postpone or delay discussion of a topic.
Example: “The proposal was tabled until more research could be conducted.”
13. Adjourned
Used primarily in formal meetings to indicate a pause or suspension.
Example: “The committee meeting has been adjourned until further data is available.”
14. Mothballed
Refers to projects or operations that are paused and preserved for potential future use.
Example: “The manufacturing plant has been mothballed until the market improves.”
15. In the background
Describes tasks or processes that are ongoing but not in immediate focus.
Example: “While the main project proceeds, smaller initiatives continue in the background.”
