pending

[pen-ding]

preposition

1. while awaiting; until.

   pending his return.

2. in the period before the decision or conclusion of; during.

   pending the negotiations.

adjective

1. remaining undecided; awaiting decision or settlement; unfinished.

   pending business; pending questions; pending litigation.

2. about to take place; impending.

pending

/ ˈpɛndɪŋ /

preposition

1. while waiting for or anticipating

adjective

1. not yet decided, confirmed, or finished

   what are the matters pending?

2. imminent

   these developments have been pending for some time

Other Word Forms

• nonpending adjective
• unpending adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pending¹

1635–45; pend + -ing ², on the model of French pendant ( pendent )

Example Sentences

Seal Beach City Manager Patrick Gallegos said in an email that the city has not yet been served with the complaint and isn’t able to comment on the specifics of the pending litigation.

From Los Angeles Times

Both agencies declined requests for interviews for this story, citing pending litigation.

From Los Angeles Times

Federal legislation to give a $2,000 tax credit to nurses who provide at least 200 hours of clinical training is pending.

From Los Angeles Times

But Justice Clarence Thomas has argued for outlawing all use of race in drawing district lines, and the court may adopt his view in a pending dispute over a second Black majority district in Louisiana.

From Los Angeles Times

Consider Clark among those who would strongly consider capitalizing on a possible new rule granting college athletes five seasons of eligibility if a pending lawsuit is successful.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• imminent 
• impending 
• undecided