deferred

American  

[dih-furd] / dɪˈfɜrd /

adjective

1. postponed or delayed.

2. suspended or withheld for or until a certain time or event.

   a deferred payment; deferred taxes.

3. classified as temporarily exempt from induction into military service.

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deferred British  

/ dɪˈfɜːd /

adjective

1. withheld over a certain period; postponed

   a deferred payment

2. (of shares) ranking behind other types of shares for dividend

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Other Word Forms

• undeferred adjective
• well-deferred adjective

Etymology

Origin of deferred

First recorded in 1645–55; defer ¹ + -ed ²

Example Sentences

“I’ve seen my share of less savvy investors who have had brokers and insurance salespeople put their IRAs into deferred variable annuities,” says North Vale, N.J.-based financial adviser John Coumarianos.

From MarketWatch

But, for some, the end will be deferred after a compromise deal was struck that gives a select few a chance to board what one outgoing peer called the "hereditary lifeboat".

From BBC

The mall had insufficient exterior lighting, the city said, and graffiti resulting from deferred or neglected maintenance.

From Los Angeles Times

In interviews, Dorsey has said he was ousted because he “deferred too much” to other executives.

From The Wall Street Journal

John Hughes — who wrote the film’s screenplay but deferred direction to his collaborator, Howard Deutch — had a way of making even the obvious seem natural.

From Salon

Related Words

• delayed
• negotiated
• postponed