pendency

[pen-duhn-see]

noun

plural

pendencies 

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

Other Word Forms

• nonpendency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pendency¹

1630–40 pend(ent) + -ency

Example Sentences

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

It made clear that the pardon power “extends to every offense known to the law and may be exercised at any time after its commission, either before legal proceedings are taken or during their pendency, or after conviction and judgment.”

From Slate

The state Supreme Court on Saturday, however, refused to take up the case, holding that the timing of the petition came too close to the election: “This Court will neither impose nor countenance substantial alterations to existing laws and procedures during the pendency of an ongoing election.”

From Slate

Can you give us your absolute assurance that you will refrain from discussing this case with anyone in any manner and from watching, reading, or listening to any accounts of this case during the pendency of the trial?

From Seattle Times