Writing · Free lesson
Data engineering English: waiting is not failed
A report analyst asks why today’s import is not ready. The status record says the supplier file has not arrived and processing has not started. “The import failed” would add a fact the record does not contain.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
“The import is waiting for the supplier file; processing has not started yet.” This describes the supplied waiting state. It does not say a processing attempt ran and failed.
Name the dependency, then state what has and has not happened.
Waiting for names what must arrive or happen. Has not started yet describes the current absence of a start; it does not promise an immediate start later. Failed would report an unsuccessful outcome, which is not supplied here. If the arrival estimate is unknown, say “The file’s arrival time is not confirmed.” That is more useful than inventing a finish time.
Compare the examples
The import is waiting for the supplier file.
Processing has not started yet.
The file’s arrival time is not confirmed.
Not ready does not tell you why. Waiting, processing and failed are different descriptions. Use the state actually recorded instead of guessing from an empty report.
Build the meaning step by step
Identify the task
The import
Name the missing input
is waiting for the supplier file
Clarify progress
processing has not started yet
Try it now
Choose the accurate status
Read all answers and explanations
The file has not arrived; processing has not started. Which status fits?
The import is waiting for its input.Waiting preserves both supplied facts without inventing an outcome.
What does processing has not started yet tell us?
Processing has not begun at this point.It describes the present state, not a future finish or past failure.
No file arrival estimate is available. Which statement is accurate?
The file’s arrival time is not confirmed.Unknown timing does not establish a deadline or cancellation.
Put it into practice
Repair the status message
Tell the report analyst: supplier file not received, processing not started, arrival time unconfirmed.
The import failed. It will be fixed by noon.
See a model answer
The import is waiting for the supplier file, and processing has not started yet. The file’s arrival time is not confirmed.
A precise update explains the delay without guessing blame or promising recovery.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Can I say blocked?
If that matches your team’s wording, name the dependency: blocked pending the supplier file. Do not let the label imply an unconfirmed processing failure.
The import is blocked pending the supplier file.
Does waiting mean it will succeed later?
No. It describes the current state. Later validation, processing or timeout outcomes need their own evidence.
It is waiting now; the final outcome is not known.
Take it into your day
Report the waiting state without inventing failure or a completion time.
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