English · Word Candidate

pending

/ˈpɛndɪŋ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Awaiting a conclusion or a confirmation.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Begun but not completed.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

While waiting for something; until.

Preposition

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the police officer is suspended from duty.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

During.

Preposition

Pending the investigation, the police officer is suspended from duty.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “pending” mean?

Awaiting a conclusion or a confirmation.

Is “pending” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.