Word
impending
Phoneticsim·pend·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɛndɪŋ/
UK/ɪmpˈɛndɪŋ/
Definition
adj. describing something that is going to happen very soon, often something unpleasant like a storm or a deadline.
adj. imminent or about to occur; typically used to describe events that are unavoidable or threatening.
Examples
“The impending storm forced us to stay inside.”
“The impending deadline made the whole team work late into the night.”
“The impending collapse of the empire was evident in the crumbling infrastructure and the growing unrest among the provinces.”
Examples
simple
“The impending storm forced us to stay inside.”
contextual
“The impending deadline made the whole team work late into the night.”
complex
“The impending collapse of the empire was evident in the crumbling infrastructure and the growing unrest among the provinces.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Teaching tip
While technically neutral, this word is most often used for negative events like disasters, deadlines, or crises.
Real-World Examples
“They said they were not informed of the impending sale of Moore’s collection or given the opportunity to acquire it.” “News of an impending deal came on Tuesday evening, with the PMO releasing a brief statement late Tuesday.” Etymology
From impend + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/impending