pending

1 of 2

preposition

pend·​ing ˈpen-diŋ 

1

: during

their opportunity to develop trade pending the laborious and fruitless negotiations

—Theodore Hsi-En Chen

2

: while awaiting

pending approval

were held in custody pending trial

pending

2 of 2

adjective

1

: not yet decided : being in continuance

the case is still pending

2

: imminent, impending

Synonyms

Preposition

• amid
• amidst
• by
• during
• over
• through
• throughout

Adjective

• open
• undecided
• undetermined
• unresolved
• unsettled

Examples of pending in a Sentence

Preposition

He is being held in jail pending trial.

She received a four-year sentence and is currently out on bail pending appeal.

Adjective

The results of the investigation are pending.

There are lawsuits pending against the company.

Recent Examples on the Web

Preposition

Judges have blocked Alabama's and Arkansas' measures from taking effect pending litigation. —Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 16 Nov. 2022

Since Sorokin is currently in Immigration and Enforcement custody pending deportation, the video interview happened in fits and starts because Cooper and Sorokin had to keep reconnecting on the phone when time was up. —Lisa Respers France, CNN, 17 Mar. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Preposition and Adjective

French pendant, from present participle of pendre

First Known Use

Preposition

1642, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pending

1 of 2 preposition

pend·​ing ˈpen-diŋ 

: while waiting for

held in jail pending a trial

pending

2 of 2 adjective

1

: not yet decided or acted on

bills pending in Congress

2

: being about to take place

signs of a pending victory

Legal Definition

pending

1 of 2 preposition

pend·​ing ˈpen-diŋ 

1

: during the time of

2

: while awaiting : in the time preceding

held in escrow pending the outcome of the suit

free pending trial

pending

2 of 2 adjective

1

: not yet decided

a pending suit

2

: to occur or be realized soon