Pending Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pending
[ˈpɛndɪŋ ]
Definition
Context #1 | Adjective
in process
awaiting a conclusion or settlement; unfinished or undecided.
Synonyms
ongoing, undecided, unfinished, unresolved.
Examples of usage
- The investigation is still pending.
- There are a few pending issues that need to be resolved before we can move forward.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Definitions
- In legal terms, 'pending' often refers to cases that are still in progress and have not reached a verdict.
- A 'pending charge' indicates an unresolved criminal accusation that has not yet been adjudicated.
- Many legal documents will include a stipulation that certain matters are pending until a specific condition is met.
Project Management
- In project management, tasks labeled as 'pending' indicate that they are incomplete and rely on prior tasks or decisions.
- Pending items on schedules can affect timelines, as they often indicate workflow bottlenecks.
- Tools like Kanban boards often track pending tasks to improve visual management of workflows.
Cultural References
- Commonly used in communication, 'pending' may appear in emails to indicate waiting for a response or decision.
- The phrase 'pending approval' is frequently seen in corporate environments, reflecting the hierarchical decision-making processes.
- In technology, users often encounter 'pending' status on downloads or installations, indicating they are still processing.
Psychology
- Research indicates that things left pending can cause stress, which is derived from uncertainty about outcomes.
- Cognitive psychology explores how the brain handles pending tasks and the implications for procrastination and productivity.
- The Zeigarnik effect suggests that people remember uncompleted tasks better than completed ones, highlighting the significance of pending items.
Origin of 'pending'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'pending' comes from the Latin word 'pendere', which means 'to hang' – referring to something hanging in the balance.
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century, used to describe issues that were undecided.
- In its early usage, 'pending' often referred to decisions being made in legal contexts.
The word 'pending' originated from the Latin word 'pendere', which means 'to hang'. It first appeared in English in the late 17th century. Over time, 'pending' has evolved to signify something that is awaiting a decision or resolution. The usage of 'pending' has become common in legal, business, and everyday contexts to describe tasks or issues that are still in progress or undecided.