holding pattern

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.

So, as it stands, both Jersey and the Isle of Man are in a holding pattern, waiting for their respective assisted dying bills to get pass into law.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Many manufacturers, retailers, importers and others are being thrust back into a holding pattern reminiscent of last year, when uncertainty over tariffs made even the basics of business hard to figure out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

The FAA kept the debris response area, or DRA, active for another 71 minutes, leaving some flights in a holding pattern over the Caribbean.

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2026

The labor market has been stuck in a low-hire, low-fire holding pattern for some time.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 4, 2025

It wasn’t until the third holding pattern southwest of Kennedy Airport that Klotz told ATC that he didn’t think the plane had enough fuel to reach an alternative airport.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell