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

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

In the first days after Pam Bondi was appointed attorney general last year, the Department of Justice began shutting down pending criminal cases at a record pace.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Priestley was initially arrested on suspicion of fraud before being released pending further inquiries.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

A judge ordered Amarillas to be held in custody pending a trial, stating that he is a flight risk and has the potential to interfere with evidence and witnesses at Camp Pendleton.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

All were released pending an investigation, but we learned the next day that Sing Sing had demanded their badges.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

• imminent
• impending
• undecided