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.

The hype around quantum computing continues to build, but for many players, it’s still a high-stakes waiting game.

From Barron's • May 14, 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

"So we just need to play the waiting game now."

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2025

For now, Guittard says he will have to play the waiting game and see how it unfolds.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2025

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

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison