Words / C1

PEND-ing/ˈpendɪŋ/

Pending means not yet decided or completed: pending approval, a pending case. Waiting is everyday; forthcoming is “coming soon”; complete is opposite. As a preposition, pending can mean “until” (pending confirmation). Do not recruit while ethics is pending.

Meaning

Waiting to be decided, arranged, or completed.

Examples

• “Pending ethics is not a green light for recruitment.”
• “Waiting is everyday. Awaiting is formal. Imminent is “about to happen”. Pending in a tracker is a status, not a yes. Silence is not consent, and pending is not permission.”

Good to know

Not yet decided / still waiting. Everyday: waiting. Formal twin: awaiting. Pending ≠ yes.

Near in meaning

wait

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