Pendency

Meaning

The state of remaining unresolved or awaiting a decision; the period during which something is pending

Origin / Etymology

Latin pendere, to hang, be suspended

Synonyms

Backlog Delay Abeyance

Antonyms

Resolution Disposal Settlement

Example Sentence

"India's patent pendency of 58+ months discourages innovators who lose competitive advantage before their patents are even granted."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Use in GS2 (judicial pendency, case backlog) and GS3 (patent pendency, regulatory delays). Frequently appears in essays on governance reform.

Relevant Subjects

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