pending

American  

[pen-ding] / ˈpɛn dɪŋ /

preposition

1. while awaiting; until.

   pending his return.

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

   pending the negotiations.

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adjective

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

   pending business; pending questions; pending litigation.

2. about to take place; impending.

pending British  

/ ˈpɛndɪŋ /

preposition

1. while waiting for or anticipating

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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

Etymology

Origin of pending

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

Example Sentences

The pending jump in prices has pushed U.S.-based wine importers and retailers like Craig to stock up.

From The Wall Street Journal

Under the merger both firms will have an equal 50% share in ownership after the deal is completed, which is expected by mid-2026 pending regulatory and shareholder approvals.

From BBC

They were placed on remand until December 24 pending further investigations into the incident, which sparked widespread revulsion after the footage was shared on social media.

From Barron's

A group of 63 parliamentarians petitioned the court, which said in a statement that the law was suspended pending a ruling on its merits.

From Barron's

The huge majority of pending investment is in the “brown field” category, Guajardo says: expansion of existing sites that can only hold output steady for the next five years.

From Barron's

Related Words

• imminent
• impending
• undecided