waiting game

NOUN

watchful waiting

Synonyms

WEAK

cat-and-mouse lying low wait-and-see attitude wait-and-see policy waiting it out watching and waiting

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For John Winston Isidro, life aboard his VLCC, or Very Large Crude Carrier, has been marked by equal parts monotony and precaution since his ship began playing the waiting game.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

For the past few years, housing has been a waiting game, as buyers balk at record-high prices and sellers hold off on listing their homes until activity returns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

Momentum has slowed as residents sink into a waiting game while they vie for permit approval, decide whether to return or grapple with new and ongoing unknowns.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

Claudia Allen, director of advancement for Maryland Humanities, says their organization is still playing a waiting game for two grant applications that they submitted, one to the NEH and one to the Library of Congress.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2025

Then I relaxed a bit; work had to be done and I would play the waiting game.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison