Word
standby
Phoneticsstand·by, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstændˈbaɪ/
UK/stˈændbaɪ/
Definitions
01readiness
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a state of being ready to act or help immediately if something happens.
n. a state of readiness or availability for immediate action or use, often in response to an emergency.
“The emergency crew was on standby throughout the heavy storm.”
“Medical teams remained on standby at the stadium, prepared to intervene should any spectators suffer from heat exhaustion during the match.”
Synonyms
02electronics
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing
n. a mode where a device is not fully on but can start quickly.
n. a low-power mode in which an electronic device is kept ready for immediate operation.
“Don't leave your computer on standby all night if you want to save energy.”
“Modern televisions consume a negligible amount of electricity when left on standby, though environmental groups still recommend a full power-down.”
Synonyms
03travel
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. waiting at an airport for a seat to become available on a full flight.
n. a status for travellers who wait for unallocated seats on a flight that is officially fully booked.
“We didn't have tickets, so we had to wait on standby for the next plane to London.”
“The airline staff managed to clear the standby list after several passengers failed to check in for the transatlantic flight.”
Synonyms
04ready for use
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describing something that is kept ready to be used if the main one fails.
adj. kept in reserve for use in an emergency or as a substitute.
“The hotel has a standby generator in case the electricity goes out.”
“The airline maintains a pool of standby pilots at major hubs to ensure that crew illness does not result in flight cancellations.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'on standby' to indicate readiness for immediate use or action.
Real-World Examples
“The pool is always on standby in case an event requires the president to speak to the nation.” “That's enough to cover "always-on" electrical appliances such as fridges and devices left on standby.” Etymology
Deverbal from stand by.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- 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/standby