WAITLIST Meaning and
Definition
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The term "waitlist" refers to an organized system or process where individuals express their desire to be considered for a particular opportunity, event, or program, but are initially not accepted. It commonly denotes a status of being on hold or placed on a list until a spot becomes available. This term is predominantly used in educational institutions, such as colleges and universities, as well as in other contexts like job applications and event registrations.
When an individual is waitlisted, it means they have met the minimum criteria for consideration but have not secured a definite spot. Typically, the waitlist operates on a first-come, first-served basis, where individuals are added to the list in the order they express their interest. They are then ranked based on their qualifications or other relevant factors.
Being on a waitlist implies that there is limited availability or capacity for the opportunity being sought after. It denotes hope for an opportunity to arise through a withdrawal or cancellation of the initial accepted offer. In some cases, candidates on the waitlist may be offered a spot if someone declines acceptance, or if additional positions become available. Thus, individuals on the waitlist are advised to remain patient and may be encouraged to explore alternative options or plans while they await an update regarding their status.
Common Misspellings for WAITLIST
Etymology of WAITLIST
The word "waitlist" is a combination of two parts: "wait" and "list".
The term "wait" originated from the Old French word "waitier", meaning "to watch" or "to guard". It later evolved into the Middle English word "waiten", which means "to lie in wait" or "to stay in expectation". Over time, it further transformed into "wait", retaining its original sense of "to stay in expectation or delay".
The word "list" comes from the Old English word "liste", meaning "boundary" or "border". It later developed into the meaning of a "strip" or "barrier". In the 14th century, it began being used to refer to a series of names, as in a roll or register.
