Word
await
US/əˈweɪt/
UK/ɐwˈeɪt/
Definitions
01to wait for
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. to wait for something that you expect to happen soon.
v. to wait for an event, person, or result. Transitive — unlike 'wait', it does not take the preposition 'for'.
日本語:待つ※
“We eagerly await your reply to our invitation.”
“The legal team is currently awaiting the judge's final ruling before deciding whether to file an appeal.”
Usage
Takes a direct object; do not use with the preposition 'for'.
Pitfall
We are awaiting for the results.
We are awaiting the results.
Do not use 'for' after await. You 'wait for' something, but you 'await' something.
Synonyms
02to be in store for
C1 · Advanced Formal · Literary
v. to be waiting for someone in the future.
v. to be in store for or to be ready for someone; the subject is usually the event or condition that will happen to the person.
日本語:待ち受ける※
“A warm welcome awaits you when you arrive at the hotel.”
“Unbeknownst to the explorers, a series of unforeseen challenges awaited them in the heart of the jungle.”
Usage
The subject is typically the thing that is waiting to happen to someone.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “await” in context.
Verb
01. anxiously await
“The families were gathered at the port, where they anxiously awaited news of the missing vessel.”
adv + verb
02. await confirmation
“We have submitted the application and now await confirmation from the embassy.”
verb + noun
03. await further instructions
“Please remain at your current station and await further instructions from the site manager.”
verb + noun
04. await trial
“The suspect is currently being held in custody to await trial for his alleged crimes.”
verb + noun
05. eagerly await
“Fans across the globe eagerly await the release of the director's final film.”
adv + verb
Noun
06. destiny awaits
“He felt a sense of purpose, believing that a grand destiny awaited him in the capital.”
noun + verb
07. fate awaits
“A similar fate awaits any company that fails to adapt to the changing digital landscape.”
noun + verb
Real-World Examples
“A 47-year-old man is awaiting trial after being charged with her murder.” “We await a response,” Lavrov told state TV.” Etymology
From Middle English awaiten, from Old Northern French awaitier (“to lie in wait for, watch, observe”), originally especially with a hostile sense; itself from a- (“to”) + waitier (“to watch”). More at English wait.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/await
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0