pending

Waiting for a decision, approval, or result.

• My application is still pending.
• Three requests were pending yesterday.
• We cannot discuss the pending court case.

Similar words: undecided, unresolved

Common phrases: pending approval, pending application, still pending

Already started but not yet finished.

• We have several pending tasks.
• The pending transaction should finish today.
• She checked all the pending work before leaving.

Similar words: unfinished, incomplete

Opposites: completed

Common phrases: pending work, pending tasks, pending transaction

Until something happens or someone makes a decision.

• The plan is on hold pending approval.
• He was released pending trial.
• We postponed the launch pending further safety checks.

How to use it: pending something (The payment is delayed pending approval.)

Similar words: until, awaiting

Common phrases: pending approval, pending review, pending a decision

During the time when something is happening.

• The officer was suspended pending the investigation.
• Temporary rules apply pending the inquiry.
• She remained abroad pending the legal proceedings.

How to use it: pending something (The officer stayed home pending the investigation.)

Similar words: during

Common phrases: pending the investigation, pending the trial, pending the inquiry