pending definition

USAGE SUMMARY

"pending definition" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to something that is awaiting a clear explanation or description. Example: "The project's objectives are still pending definition." Alternative expressions include "awaiting definition" and "to be defined."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The two engaged in dialogue about the work of the International Criminal Court as the modern-day successor to the Nuremberg Trials and the significance of the ICC's pending definition of the crime of aggression.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The ICC, which is to be located at The Hague upon the ratification of the statute by at least 60 signatory countries, has jurisdiction over crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, war crimes, and crimes of aggression, pending an acceptable definition of that term.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A bipartisan agreement in 1996 went further, banning party business affiliations from such things as monopoly businesses, public-infrastructure projects and investment in China, pending a clear definition of what constitutes a party-controlled business.Nevertheless, there are continuing charges of favouritism, mismanagement and embezzlement.

The Economist

Approval for them has been put on hold pending acceptance of the revised definition.

Science Magazine

Given that pending home sales is by definition a leading indicator of existing home sales, this is excellent news for the broader housing market.

Huffington Post

This is mainly due to the fact that an adaption of the REACH guidance documents is likewise pending, as is a European definition for NM under REACH.

Archives of Toxicology

The Commission adopted the Proposed Draft Guidelines with deletion of reference to "determining equivalency" pending the development of the definition of "equivalency" by the relevant Codex Committee.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

But California's measure is the first to ask voters to define marriage when no legislation or court case is pending that might alter the existing definition.

The New York Times

There's now a vehicular homicide law in New Jersey (and some pending in other states) that includes driving without sleep for more than 24 hours in its definition of recklessness.

Harvard Business Review

In this context, it must be emphasized once more that a definition of the term "patient relevance" and a final weighting of endpoints is still pending.

Health Economics Review

First, some definitions: A filibuster generally refers to extended debate that delays a vote on a pending matter, while cloture is a device to end debate.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pending definition" when you want to convey that something's meaning or scope hasn't yet been officially established or clarified. This emphasizes a state of incompletion.

Common error

Don't use "pending definition" if a concept or term is already well-defined and widely understood. It suggests a lack of clarity where none exists, which can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pending definition" primarily functions as a modifier, indicating that a term, concept, or situation awaits a formal or clear definition. As shown in Ludwig, it often appears after nouns needing clarification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pending definition" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a term or concept requires further clarification or formal definition. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase appears in a variety of contexts, including formal business, scientific discussions, and news reports. While not exceedingly common, it is a useful expression to denote a state of temporary ambiguity. When using it, it's important to ensure a definition is genuinely lacking, to avoid confusing the audience. Alternatives such as "awaiting definition" or "definition to be determined" offer similar meanings, with slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting definition

Replaces "pending" with "awaiting", a direct synonym, to indicate something is waiting for a definition.

definition to be determined

Shifts to a more formal tone, emphasizing the act of defining is yet to occur.

definition is forthcoming

Implies that the definition will be provided soon, adding a sense of anticipation.

subject to definition

Highlights that the meaning is conditional on a future definition.

requires a definition

Focuses on the necessity of a definition, emphasizing the lack thereof.

lacking a clear definition

Emphasizes the absence of a well-defined meaning.

undefined as yet

Highlights the current state of being undefined, suggesting a temporary condition.

definition still in progress

Indicates that the definition is actively being worked on, implying ongoing effort.

definition is outstanding

Emphasizes the definition is not yet provided or completed, remaining unresolved.

not yet defined

States simply that a definition has not been established.

FAQs

How can I use "pending definition" in a sentence?

You can use "pending definition" to indicate that something's meaning is not yet fully clarified or established. For example, "The regulations are on hold "pending definition" of key terms."

What is an alternative to using "pending definition"?

Alternatives to "pending definition" include "awaiting definition", "definition to be determined", or "subject to definition". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "definition is pending"?

Yes, "definition is pending" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "pending definition". Both phrases indicate that a definition has not yet been finalized.

What does it mean when something is described as "pending"?

When something is described as "pending", it means that it is waiting to be decided or settled. The outcome or resolution is yet to occur. It suggests a temporary state awaiting further action.