Pending and impending look and sound similar, but they describe different situations.
Pending generally means that something is waiting to happen, be decided, completed, or resolved, while impending means that something important, usually unpleasant, is about to happen.
For example, a pending application is still waiting for a decision, while an impending storm is approaching and expected soon.
The two words are easy to confuse because both can relate to events that have not happened yet.
However, their focus is different. Pending emphasizes an unfinished or undecided state, whereas impending emphasizes an approaching event.
Learning this distinction is useful for students, ESL learners, professionals, and anyone who wants to choose the right word in everyday or formal English.
Quick Answer
Pending means something is awaiting action, completion, or a decision. Impending means something is about to happen or approaching soon, often something serious or unpleasant. A pending request is waiting to be processed, while an impending deadline is getting close. Remember: pending = waiting; impending = approaching.
Why Do People Confuse “Pending” and “Impending”?
The words are easy to mix up because they both describe something that has not happened yet.
They also look similar because both contain the word “pending.”
The key difference is the direction of the idea:
- Pending → something is waiting
- Impending → something is approaching
Consider these examples:
My application is pending.
The application has been submitted, but a decision has not yet been made.
An important deadline is impending.
The deadline is approaching and will happen soon.
A useful way to remember the distinction is to focus on what is waiting versus what is coming.
What Does “Pending” Mean?
Pending is an adjective and can also function as a preposition in certain constructions. It generally describes something that is not yet completed, decided, or resolved.
It often appears in situations involving:
- Applications
- Requests
- Decisions
- Payments
- Legal cases
- Approvals
- Transactions
- Investigations
- Tasks
Examples of “Pending”
Your application is pending.
This means the application has not received a final decision.
The payment is pending.
This means the payment has been initiated or recorded but has not yet been fully processed.
The case remains pending.
This means the case has not yet been resolved or decided.
“Pending” as a Preposition
Pending can also mean until something happens or while waiting for something.
For example:
The decision was postponed pending further investigation.
Here, the decision is postponed until more investigation takes place.
What Does “Impending” Mean?
Impending is an adjective meaning about to happen or approaching soon.
It often describes an event that may have a significant, serious, or unpleasant effect.
Common examples include:
- An impending storm
- An impending deadline
- An impending crisis
- An impending disaster
- An impending election
- An impending change
- An impending danger
For example:
Residents prepared for the impending storm.
The storm has not arrived yet, but it is approaching.
Does “Impending” Always Mean Something Bad?
No. Impending does not technically mean “bad.”
However, it is frequently used with events that create concern, pressure, urgency, or uncertainty.
For example:
The company announced an impending merger.
A merger is not necessarily negative, but it is an upcoming event.
Pending vs Impending: Comparison Table
| Word | Main meaning | Focus | Common examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pending | Waiting for action, completion, or a decision | An unfinished state | pending application, pending payment |
| Impending | About to happen or approaching | An upcoming event | impending storm, impending deadline |
| Pending approval | Waiting for approval | Decision/action | The project is pending approval. |
| Impending deadline | A deadline that is approaching | Time/event | The impending deadline caused concern. |
When Should You Use “Pending” vs “Impending”?
Use “Pending” for Something Waiting
Use pending when something has already been started, submitted, requested, or raised but still needs action or a final decision.
Examples:
My refund is pending.
The application is pending approval.
The investigation is still pending.
Think:
Pending = waiting for something to happen.
Use “Impending” for Something Approaching
Use impending when an event has not happened yet but is expected to happen soon.
Examples:
We prepared for the impending storm.
She was worried about the impending deadline.
The company announced an impending change.
Think:
Impending = coming soon.
12 Examples of “Pending” and “Impending”
Examples with “Pending”
- My job application is still pending.
- The payment is pending.
- We are waiting for a pending decision.
- The request remains pending.
- Your order is pending confirmation.
- The case is currently pending.
- The refund is pending approval.
Examples with “Impending”
- The town prepared for the impending storm.
- She was worried about the impending deadline.
- The company announced an impending merger.
- Everyone was concerned about the impending crisis.
- We could see signs of an impending change.
- The warning was issued because of the impending danger.
- Employees discussed the impending restructuring.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using “impending” for a waiting application
Incorrect:
My visa is impending.
If you mean the visa application has not yet been decided, use:
My visa application is pending.
Mistake 2: Using “pending” for an approaching storm
Incorrect:
We prepared for the pending storm.
If you mean the storm is approaching, impending is usually the intended word:
We prepared for the impending storm.
Mistake 3: Thinking both words simply mean “not happened yet”
Although both can relate to future situations, they emphasize different things.
- Pending emphasizes unfinished status.
- Impending emphasizes approaching time or occurrence.
Mistake 4: Confusing “pending” with “imminent”
Pending does not necessarily mean something will happen soon.
The lawsuit is pending.
The case is unresolved, but this does not tell us exactly when it will be resolved.
By contrast:
The storm is imminent.
This means the storm is expected very soon.
What Is an Easy Memory Trick?
Use this simple association:
Pending = pause
Something is waiting for action.
Impending = incoming
Something is coming toward you.
You can also remember:
Pending waits. Impending approaches.
For example:
- Pending application → waiting for a decision
- Impending deadline → approaching soon
American vs British English
Pending and impending are standard words in both American and British English. Their basic meanings are the same in both varieties.
There can be small differences in preferred expressions depending on context, but the central distinction does not change:
- Pending = awaiting action, completion, or resolution
- Impending = approaching or about to happen
For example, both American and British speakers can naturally say:
The application is pending.
and:
An impending deadline is causing concern.
Similar Words and Expressions
Awaiting
Means waiting for something.
The application is awaiting approval.
This is often similar to pending.
Upcoming
Means something scheduled or expected to happen in the future.
We discussed the upcoming meeting.
Unlike impending, upcoming does not usually suggest urgency or concern.
Approaching
Means moving closer in time or space.
The deadline is approaching.
This is close in meaning to impending.
Imminent
Means about to happen very soon.
A storm is imminent.
Imminent usually suggests that an event is closer in time than merely impending, although the exact difference depends on context.
Forthcoming
Means coming or expected in the future.
More information will be forthcoming.
It can also mean something that is available or provided when needed.
Unresolved
Means not yet settled or solved.
The issue remains unresolved.
This is often related to the idea expressed by pending.
Final Verdict
Pending and impending are not interchangeable.
Use pending when something is waiting for action, approval, completion, or a decision:
The application is pending.
Use impending when something is approaching or about to happen:
An impending storm is approaching.
The easiest rule is:
Pending = waiting.
Impending = approaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between pending and impending?
Pending describes something that is waiting for action, completion, or a decision. Impending describes something that is approaching or about to happen.
Is a pending deadline correct?
Yes, “pending deadline” can be grammatically possible in some contexts, but it may not express the intended meaning. If you mean a deadline that is getting close, “impending deadline” or “approaching deadline” is clearer.
Is an impending application correct?
Usually not if you mean an application that is waiting for a decision. In that situation, “pending application” is the natural expression.
Does impending mean bad?
Not necessarily. Impending means approaching or about to happen. It is often used for serious or unpleasant events, but it can describe neutral events as well.
Is impending the same as imminent?
They are similar, but not identical in every context. Both describe something approaching, while imminent often emphasizes that the event is expected very soon.
What is another word for pending?
Depending on context, alternatives include awaiting, unresolved, undecided, unfinished, and in progress. The best replacement depends on what is being described.
What is another word for impending?
Depending on context, alternatives include approaching, forthcoming, upcoming, and imminent.
Remember This
PENDING = WAITING
A pending application is waiting for a decision.
IMPENDING = APPROACHING
An impending storm is approaching.
When something needs to be processed or decided, think pending. When something is coming soon, think impending.
Conclusion
The difference between pending and impending becomes simple once you focus on the main idea of each word.
Pending describes a situation that remains unfinished or awaits action, approval, completion, or a decision. Impending describes an event that is approaching and expected to happen soon.
For everyday writing, remember the short rule: pending means waiting, while impending means approaching.
A payment can be pending, an application can be pending, and a legal case can be pending.
A storm, deadline, crisis, or major change can be impending. Choosing the word that matches the situation will make your English clearer and more precise.
