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impending

English → EnglishformalliteraryInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "impending": "Impending" describes an event, usually something negative or significant, that is about to happen v

What does "impending" mean?

"Impending" describes an event, usually something negative or significant, that is about to happen very soon. The mental image is that of a dark, heavy cloud hanging directly over your head; you can feel the pressure of the event even before it officially begins. It is almost exclusively used for serious or ominous situations, such as impending doom, impending danger, or an impending deadline. Because it carries a weight of inevitability, it is rarely used for casual or happy events; you would not typically describe a birthday party as "impending."

"impending" in conversation

Discussing a difficult project

I can't even focus on my lunch with this impending deadline hanging over me.

I can't even focus on my lunch with this impending deadline hanging over me.

I know the feeling. It's like we're just waiting for the storm to hit.

I know the feeling. It's like we're just waiting for the storm to hit.

Used here to emphasize the stress caused by an approaching deadline.

Watching a storm

Look at those clouds. Do you feel the impending rain?

Look at those clouds. Do you feel the impending rain?

Yeah, we should probably head inside before it starts pouring.

Yeah, we should probably head inside before it starts pouring.

Demonstrates the literal, sensory use of the word regarding weather.

"impending" in a sentence

  1. The birds went quiet, sensing the impending storm.

    The birds went quiet, sensing the impending storm.

  2. She felt a deep sense of anxiety about her impending interview.

    She felt a deep sense of anxiety about her impending interview.

  3. The government was forced to take drastic measures to avoid the impending economic collapse.

    The government was forced to take drastic measures to avoid the impending economic collapse.

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