pendency

American  

[pen-duhn-see] / ˈpɛn dən si /

noun

plural

pendencies

1. the state or time of being pending, undecided, or undetermined, as of a lawsuit awaiting settlement.

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Other Word Forms

• nonpendency noun

Etymology

Origin of pendency

1630–40 pend(ent) + -ency

Example Sentences

Lee’s letter said he was concerned that the Warner-Netflix deal “could operate as a so-called `killer non-acquisition,’ effectively weakening a major competitor through the pendency of the merger review process.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The filing contends that the plaintiffs would suffer “immediate and irreparable harm if the status quo is not preserved during the pendency of this lawsuit.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Given the pendency of the second appeal and the complexities and uncertainties associated with determining the quantum of restitution, the eventual financial impact could be significantly different,” said the bank.

From MarketWatch

When people understand that they’re arrested for an offense, and if they’re a likely flight risk or a threat to the community so they’re held in custody during the pendency of their case, that can be a very effective deterrent.

From Slate

It said that authority extended “to every offence known to the law and able to be exercised either before legal proceedings are taken, or during their pendency, or after conviction and judgment.”

From Salon