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Meaning & use

in flux

phrase·Advancedformal

Last updated

UK/ɪn ˈflʌks/
US/ɪn ˈflʌks/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phraseformal

    Changing constantly and not yet settled, so the final result is unclear.

    Grammar: Used after a linking verb: the market is in flux; there is no article before flux.

    Patterns

    • be in flux
    • remain in flux
    • something is in a state of flux

    The rules are still in flux, so check again next week.

    Our plans were in flux after the manager left.

    The housing market remains in flux this year.

  2. phrasefixed phraseformal

    Describing a period when things are moving or shifting between one state and another.

    Grammar: Often appears as 'in a state of flux' with the same meaning.

    Patterns

    • in a state of flux
    • leave something in flux

    The government was in a state of flux during the transition.

    Her feelings about moving abroad were in flux.

    The industry is in flux because of new technology.

Common combinations

remain in flux
The schedule remains in flux until the venue is confirmed.
be in a state of flux
The language is always in a state of flux.
leave something in flux
The merger left the staff in flux.
constantly in flux
The team structure is constantly in flux.
still in flux
The details are still in flux.

Synonyms and how they differ

unsettled
Unsettled is plain and can describe weather or people's moods, while in flux suggests continuing movement and change.
fluid
Fluid describes a situation that can easily adapt, sometimes positively, whereas in flux is more neutral.
up in the air
Up in the air is informal and stresses uncertainty about a decision, not constant change.
changing
Changing is a simple word, and in flux adds the sense that nothing has settled.

Opposites

stablesettledfixed

Word family

flux noun
continuous change, or a flow of something
fluctuate verb
to rise and fall irregularly
fluctuation noun
an irregular rise or fall
fluid adjective
able to change easily

Commonly confused: in flux or influx? in flux or in flex?

in flux vs influx

An influx is a sudden arrival of many people or things; 'in flux' means changing, and it is two words.

in flux vs in flex

Not a phrase; 'in flux' is the right spelling.

Practice

With the new director arriving soon, the whole department is currently ______.

Make it your own

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