What does "Waiting for a message" in WhatsApp mean?

What does Waiting for a message in WhatsApp mean - briefly?

The status "Waiting for a message" in WhatsApp indicates that the recipient's device is turned off or not connected to the internet at the moment. This means the message has not been delivered yet and will be sent once the device becomes active again.

What does Waiting for a message in WhatsApp mean - in detail?

The status "Waiting for a message" in WhatsApp indicates that the user is currently offline and not connected to the internet, but has configured their device to receive messages when they become available again. This feature allows users to maintain connectivity without constantly being online, thereby conserving battery life and data usage. When the device regains an active internet connection, WhatsApp will automatically download any pending messages sent during the offline period and deliver them to the user. This status is particularly useful for individuals who frequently switch between different networks or have intermittent internet access.