deferred

1 of 2

adjective

de·​ferred di-ˈfərd 

1

: withheld for or until a stated time

a deferred payment

2

: charged in cases of delayed handling

telegraphs sent at deferred rates

deferred

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of defer entry 1, defer entry 2

Examples of deferred in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

However, many deferred annuity contracts also include what's known as a free withdrawal provision. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

The global refining complex has accumulated a massive maintenance debt that will force widespread, prolonged plant shutdowns for deferred repairs once markets relax. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

The city’s proposal includes a temporary change to the pension plan that would allow eligible firefighters with 20 years of service to enter a deferred retirement option, reducing the current 25-year service requirement. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

Hayes entered Alford pleas and received a deferred disposition with two years of supervised probation. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from past participle of defer entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing deferred

• tax-deferred

Rhymes for deferred

• afterword
• firebird
• hummingbird
• ladybird
• mockingbird
• overheard
• thunderbird
• undergird
• undeterred
• absurd
• averred
• bluebird

Legal Definition

deferred

adjective

de·​ferred

di-ˈfərd

: withheld or delayed for or until a stated time

a deferred payment

deferred prosecution