What does impending mean?
Impending is an adjective meaning that something is about to happen or will happen soon. It is especially common when referring to a danger, crisis, storm, deadline, or other event that is approaching and may demand attention. The word often carries a formal and somewhat ominous tone, although it can be used neutrally for an ordinary future occurrence. In a sentence such as “The company was facing an impending bankruptcy,” it describes a situation that has not yet reached its final stage but is expected to do so imminently. Impending is related in meaning to imminent and looming, but is frequently preferred in formal writing and can be especially effective when describing a threat or an unavoidable development. It is also a useful word for conveying that the present moment is critical before an important event occurs.
adjectiveAbout to happen; imminent. Used especially of events, dangers, or problems that are approaching and likely to occur soon.
- About to happen or likely to happen soon, especially when the event is threatening, difficult, or unwelcome.
- Approaching in time or threatening to become a reality.
"The country faced an impending economic crisis as the currency continued to fall."
"Rescue teams were preparing for the impending storm."
"The deal was reached just before the impending vote."
Impending literally comes from the idea of something hanging over you: the word’s Latin ancestor referred to a threat that was about to descend.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impending come from?
Impending comes through English from Latin impendere, a compound of in- and pendere, “to hang over,” and by extension “to threaten.” Its present participle, impendens, gave English the adjective “impending.” The Latin root pendeo, “to hang,” is also reflected in related words such as suspend, pendant, pendulum, and pension.
Related word forms
How impending is actually used
This is a formal word, especially common in journalism, official statements, and literary prose. It often conveys a sense of threat, urgency, or unwelcome expectation, though it can also be used neutrally for ordinary scheduled events.
Easily confused with impending
Both words mean about to happen, but imminent is often used directly before a noun, as in imminent danger, while impending similarly describes an approaching event and is frequently used in formal writing.