18 Other Ways to Say “Not Started”

Sometimes, in personal or professional communications, you want to avoid saying something as flat as “not started” for a variety of reasons.

Perhaps you wish to sound more eloquent, optimistic, or even to provide a more nuanced explanation of the status of a task or project. Whatever your reason, the following list is divided into categories for you to find the perfect phrase or word for different situations.

Preparatory Phases

When you want to convey that groundwork is being laid but the main action hasn’t commenced, these expressions can be useful.

1. In the Pipeline

Example: The community project is still in the pipeline; we’re gathering the necessary permissions.
Explanation: This suggests that the plans are underway but the actual execution is pending.

2. In the Works

Example: Our new software update is in the works and should be launched soon.
Explanation: Indicates that something is being worked on but is not yet in the active implementation phase.

3. In Pre-Launch

Example: The marketing campaign is in pre-launch; we’re finalizing the media channels.
Explanation: Typically used for products or events, suggesting that preparations are ongoing, but the official start has not occurred.

Awaiting Action

Sometimes, a project or task is all set to go but for some reason has not yet been initiated. In such cases, these phrases can be appropriate.

4. On Hold

Example: The book publication is on hold until we receive the author’s final revisions.
Explanation: Implies a temporary paused status, with plans to start pending a specific action or decision.

5. Pending

Example: The construction is pending the city council’s approval.
Explanation: Used when something is awaiting a necessary prerequisite before commencing.

6. On the Back Burner

Example: Development of the new application is on the back burner while we focus on immediate client needs.
Explanation: Indicates a deliberate delay, prioritizing other tasks before starting this one.

Yet to be Undertaken

When something has not even reached the preparatory stage, these terms are apt for describing the initial status.

7. Uninitiated

Example: Our expansion to overseas markets remains uninitiated while we analyze risks.
Explanation: Expresses that something is yet to begin or take the first step.

8. Uncommenced

Example: The training for new recruits is uncommenced, pending the finalization of the curriculum.
Explanation: A more formal term that conveys that a project or task has not started.

9. Still in Conception

Example: The idea for the new book series is still in conception and not fleshed out yet.
Explanation: This suggests that the idea or project is still in the very early, formulating stage.

Conditional Start

If a project is set to start under certain conditions being met, these phrases can effectively set the context.

10. Subject to…

Example: The road works are subject to weather conditions and may not start until the rainy season ends.
Explanation: Indicates that the commencement is conditional upon certain criteria.

11. Contingent Upon…

Example: The research project is contingent upon funding, which we are currently securing.
Explanation: Explains that the start is dependent on a specific requirement.

12. Awaiting a Green Light

Example: The team is awaiting a green light to kick-start the new development phase.
Explanation: Implies that they are ready to begin as soon as permission or an official go-ahead is received.

Informal Idioms

In more casual conversation or writing, you might want to use a less formal term to indicate that something hasn’t started.

13. Not Off the Ground

Example: Our podcast idea hasn’t gotten off the ground yet, but we’re brainstorming the format.
Explanation: An idiomatic expression to indicate the project has made no progress or beginning.

14. Not Yet Tackled

Example: The issue of network security hasn’t been tackled yet, as we’re currently focused on server upgrades.
Explanation: Suggests that the project or task has not been addressed or attempted.

15. Not in Motion

Example: The plans for the annual employee retreat are not in motion because we’re waiting for the budget approval.
Explanation: Implies that the actual motion or action to start a process has yet to occur.

Early Conceptualization

When an idea is still being formed or considered, these phrases provide an accurate description of its nascent state.

16. In the Conceptual Stage

Example: We are in the conceptual stage of developing a new mobile application.
Explanation: Indicates that the idea is still being developed and fleshed out.

17. On the Drawing Board

Example: Our expansion plans are still on the drawing board, with many details to be worked out.
Explanation: Suggests that the planning process is ongoing, but no practical steps have been taken.

18. Brewing

Example: There’s a new project brewing in the creative department, but it hasn’t taken shape yet.
Explanation: An idiomatic way to say that something is being thought over or beginning to develop.

Using varied language to describe the status of a task or project can help convey more specific information and can often be more engaging or diplomatic. Whether it’s a more formal setting or a casual conversation, there’s an expression to suit every need.