pending

UK: /ˈpɛndɪŋ/ US: /ˈpɛndɪŋ/ ,(pen′ding)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

pend•ing /ˈpɛndɪŋ/   prep. 

1. while awaiting;
   until:
   We'll do this work pending his return.
2. during:
   pending the trial.

adj. 

3. awaiting decision or settlement:
   That case is still pending.
4. about to happen;
   impending:
   Dad knew the driving test was pending; why was he late?

See -pend-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pend•ing  (pen′ding), prep. 

1. while awaiting;
   until:
   pending his return.
2. in the period before the decision or conclusion of;
   during:
   pending the negotiations.

adj. 

3. remaining undecided;
   awaiting decision or settlement;
   unfinished:
   pending business;
   pending questions;
   pending litigation.
4. about to take place;
   impending.

• pend + -ing², on the model of French pendant (see pendent) 1635–45

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

pending / ˈpɛndɪŋ/ preposition

1. while waiting for or anticipating

adjective (postpositive)

1. not yet decided, confirmed, or finished
2. imminent: these developments have been pending for some time

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pend  (pend), v.i. 

1. to remain undecided or unsettled.
2. to hang.
3. [Obs.] to depend.

• Latin pendēre to be suspended, hang, depend 1490–1500

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

pend / pɛnd/ verb (intransitive)

1. to await judgment or settlement

Etymology: 15th Century: from Latin pendēre to hang; related to Latin pendere to suspend