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

Return on tangible common equity, or ROTCE, has become a standard measurement of earnings power for banks, with the denominator excluding intangible assets, such as deferred tax assets, loan-servicing rights and goodwill.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

By comparison, $125 million was “a bargain for the county,” said Govan, “Because they had the liability of ownership of those buildings and the deferred maintenance was extraordinary.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

They purchased the home for $765,000, and there wasn’t significant deferred maintenance when they moved in, though they figured they would have to buy new windows eventually.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

But her request for a decision on the application to be deferred to allow for a site visit was not supported by other councillors.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

But when he later recounted his return to the White House, Jennings voiced no bitterness over the deferred promise of freedom.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

Related Words

• delayed
• negotiated
• postponed