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

One of the group's founders, Tracey Wilson, told the BBC they are advising those who declared their firearms to withdraw their application pending the court's decision, which likely won't come for months.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

U.S. job growth blew past expectations last month, a resilient rebound that defied concerns about a pending downturn.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The court has not yet ruled on that motion, and the case is still pending.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

It warned against "misinformation" about a pending price hike, quoting presidential spokesman Prasetyo Hadi as saying "we guarantee the availability of fuel... and there is no price adjustment."

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

I decided I would call the attorney general's office and see if they would concede legal error in the pending appeal, which would ensure relief at the appellate court and perhaps expedite Walter's release.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• imminent
• impending
• undecided