Word
pending
Phoneticspend·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɛndɪŋ/
UK/pˈɛndɪŋ/
Definitions
01awaiting a decision
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adj. waiting for a final decision or result.
adj. awaiting a conclusion, confirmation, or settlement; often used in legal or administrative contexts.
“The bank transfer is still pending, so the money hasn't arrived yet.”
“The merger remains pending while the regulatory body investigates potential antitrust violations in the telecommunications sector.”
Usage
Usually follows the noun it describes or sits after a linking verb like 'be'.
Synonyms
02about to happen
C1 · Advanced Literary · Formal
adj. likely to happen very soon.
adj. imminent or impending; about to occur.
“The dark clouds were a sign of a pending storm.”
“The atmosphere in the capital was tense with the sense of pending change as the election results began to trickle in.”
Teaching tip
In modern English, 'impending' is more common for this sense, especially for negative events like storms or disasters.
Synonyms
03until something happens
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
prep. while waiting for something to happen.
prep. until the occurrence of a specific event; during the intervening period before something happens.
“He was released from prison pending his trial next month.”
“The judge granted a stay of execution pending the outcome of the defendant's final appeal to the High Court.”
Usage
Always followed by a noun phrase.
Real-World Examples
“The Kiwi Fruit is Cute also has a charity application pending, but this is expected to take several months.” “Keep in mind however that Spain has dozens of other EU transpositions pending, so it's hard to know when exactly this will affect those in Spain.” - 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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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