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pending
/ˈpɛn.dɪŋ/
waiting to be decided or completed
The contract is still pending approval.
The contract has not been approved yet and is waiting for a decision.
general
waiting to be decided, resolved, or completed
Your application is pending review.
Your application is being reviewed and has not been approved or rejected yet.
The case is still pending in court.
The case has not been decided yet and is still being processed in the legal system.
Often used in legal, administrative, or business contexts to describe something that is in process but not yet finalized.
Collocations
pending approvalwaiting for official approvalpending decisionwaiting for a final decisionpending paymentpayment that has not yet been made
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal Usage
In professional or formal contexts, 'pending' is often used to describe documents, decisions, or processes that are still in progress.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
While 'pending' is useful, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or bureaucratic.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'penden' (to hang, weigh, or be in suspense), from Old French 'pendre' (to hang), from Latin 'pendere' (to hang, weigh).
Usage Notes
Commonly used in formal and professional contexts, especially in legal, business, and administrative settings. Can also be used in everyday language to describe something that is not yet finished or decided.
Word Breakdown
pend
to hang or weigh
root-ing
ongoing action or state
suffixEnglish Dictionary