Words / C1

im-PEND-ing/ɪmˈpendɪŋ/

Impending means about to happen, usually something unpleasant (formal): impending cuts, impending publication. Imminent (already in the dictionary) is the close twin; almost midnight is still before the lift.

Meaning

About to happen, usually something unpleasant (formal).

Examples

• “Impending publication is still before midnight; wait for the lift.”
• “Imminent is already in this course. Upcoming is milder and not gloomy. A clock is the rule. A lift is a timestamp. Wait; then publish.”

Good to know

About to happen (usually unwelcome). Close: imminent (already in the dictionary). Almost midnight ≠ a lift.

Near in meaning

imminent

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