pending

[pen-ding]

preposition

1. while awaiting; until.

   pending his return.

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

   pending the negotiations.

adjective

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

   pending business; pending questions; pending litigation.

2. about to take place; impending.

pending

/ ˈpɛndɪŋ /

preposition

1. while waiting for or anticipating

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pending¹

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

Example Sentences

His identity was not released pending notification of his family members, police said.

From Los Angeles Times

The city has had some success, he said, but the declining revenue and pending lawsuits have created a “perfect storm” for the city.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom’s office said he typically does not comment on pending legislation.

From Los Angeles Times

State leaders called the move, which is pending a final vote from the Legislature, a necessary step to cementing investments from the private sector — an area of focus for project officials.

From Los Angeles Times

A spokesperson for Newsom said he typically does not comment on pending legislation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• imminent 
• impending 
• undecided