long waiting list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'long waiting list' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a large number of people who have requested or applied for something and are awaiting a response. For example: "The new restaurant had such a long waiting list, they had to open a second location."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There is a long waiting list.

The New York Times

Be patient: there's a long waiting list.

The New York Times - Arts

That's why there's a long waiting list for this department".

The New York Times - Arts

There is a long waiting list for the program.

The New York Times

There is a long waiting list for training slots and jobs.

The New York Times - Food

Indeed, people are still prepared to join a long waiting list for Hermès handbags.

The Economist

The government provides subsidized day care, but there is a long waiting list in big cities.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Meanwhile, more than 400 people with HIV or AIDS are on a years-long waiting list for supportive housing.

The Washington Post

The company also has a months-long waiting list for its Prius hybrid, which runs off electricity and gasoline.

The New York Times

Still, there's a five- to six-year-long waiting list for a major project.

Forbes

By early 2007, Schwa was receiving 100 calls a day and had a three-month-long waiting list for reservations.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long waiting list", specify the reason for the delay to manage expectations. For example, instead of saying "There's a long waiting list", say "There's a long waiting list due to high demand for the new product".

Common error

Avoid attributing the "long waiting list" solely to inefficiency. While that can be a factor, high demand often plays a significant role. Acknowledge both possibilities for a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long waiting list" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a queue or line for a service or product where the number of people waiting is substantial. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long waiting list" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation where demand exceeds supply, resulting in a significant queue for a product or service. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in news articles, scientific publications, and business communications, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "extensive backlog" or "protracted wait time" exist, "long waiting list" provides a clear and accessible description of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high demand exceeding supply

Directly states the imbalance between what is wanted and what is available.

extensive backlog

Focuses on the accumulation of pending requests or orders.

protracted wait time

Emphasizes the duration of the waiting period.

significant queue

Focuses on the size and importance of the line of people waiting.

considerable queue

Highlights the physical or virtual line of people waiting.

extensive line

Describes the physical length of the waiting line.

substantial delay

Focuses on the postponement or deferment of service.

overbooked schedule

Indicates that more appointments or reservations have been made than can be accommodated.

lengthy application process

Highlights the time-consuming nature of applying and being accepted.

saturated market

Indicates a high level of competition and limited availability.

FAQs

How can I use "long waiting list" in a sentence?

You can use "long waiting list" to describe a situation where there are many people waiting for something. For example: "The clinic has a "long waiting list" for appointments".

What are some alternatives to saying "long waiting list"?

Alternatives include "extensive backlog", "protracted wait time", or "high demand exceeding supply", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "very long waiting list" or is "long waiting list" sufficient?

Both are grammatically correct, but "very long waiting list" emphasizes the length of the wait even further. "Long waiting list" is generally sufficient unless you need to stress the severity of the wait.

What does it mean when something has a "long waiting list"?

It indicates that demand for that particular service or product exceeds its current availability, requiring people to wait, sometimes for an extended period, to access it.