En souffrance

Expression: En souffrance

Pronunciation: [a(n) soo fra(n)s]

Meaning: pending, awaiting delivery

Literal translation: in suffering

Register: normal

Notes: The French expression en souffrance is usually a lot less painful than it sounds, as it just means "pending" or "awaiting delivery." On the other hand, if you're waiting in agony for medicine, news of a loved one, or test results, en souffrance might be a lot more appropriate than its English translation.

Examples:

   Votre commande est en souffrance
   Your order is held up/awaiting delivery.

   Voici les dossiers en souffrance.
   Here are the pending files.

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