SKIP TO CONTENT

waiting game

/weɪdɪŋ geɪm/
IPA guide

Other forms: waiting games

A waiting game is a strategy that involves delaying any action, usually so you can act more effectively later. Someone negotiating for higher pay might play a waiting game to see if their boss will offer more money.

If one country's government makes a threat against another, the threatened country may react immediately, sending in military forces or cutting off economic aid. Another reaction would be to play a waiting game, simply waiting to see how real the threat is. A waiting game might also look like your refusal to accept a $10 allowance, holding out to see if your parents will increase it to $15. When a waiting game is successful, circumstances eventually change in your favor.

Definitions of waiting game
  1. noun
    a strategy of delay
    see moresee less
    type of:
    scheme, strategy
    an elaborate and systematic plan of action
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘waiting game'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family