---
sourceDocument: Brazil Build workflows
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/build-workflows

 Release :

    - brazil

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Brazil Build workflows

ft:clusterId :

    - crworkflow

bundleId :

    - crworkflow

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Wait for condition workflow activity

# Wait for condition workflow activity {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Brazil  
Updated September 10, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read
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## Summary of Wait for condition workflow activity

TheWait for conditionworkflow activity in ServiceNow pauses a workflow until a specified condition is met on the current record.
It continuously evaluates the condition each time the record is updated, allowing the workflow to wait indefinitely for an external event, such as a record update, to trigger progress.
This activity is not intended to wait for changes made internally by the workflow itself; in such cases, a timer activity is recommended to create a delay.
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## Key Features

* **Condition-Based Waiting:** The workflow pauses until all specified conditions, either defined in the builder or through a script, evaluate to true.
* **Condition Script Support:** Allows use of scripted logic that must set an `answer` variable to true to proceed.
* **Timeout Option:** To avoid indefinite waiting, you can enable a timeout with a specified duration and optional schedule, after which the workflow continues even if the condition is unmet.
* **Activity States:** The activity can be in states such as Executing, Waiting, Finished, Cancelled, or Error, which helps track and manage workflow execution.
* **Result Handling:** Within the activity's script field, you can assign a `result` value to control when the activity transitions forward.

## Practical Usage for ServiceNow Customers

* Use this activity to pause workflows until external record updates meet specific criteria, ensuring workflows only proceed when relevant data conditions are satisfied.
* To avoid workflows hanging indefinitely, configure the timeout option with a sensible duration, particularly in processes reliant on external events that may not occur.
* For waiting on internal workflow field changes, insert a short timer instead of using this activity to ensure accurate triggering.
* Monitor activity states and logs to troubleshoot any errors or cancellations during workflow execution.  
The Wait for condition activity causes the workflow to wait at this activity until the current record matches the specified condition. {#r_WaitForCondition__wf-wait-for-activity-shortdesc}
The workflow evaluates the Wait for condition activity each time the
current record is updated. Use this activity to pause a workflow indefinitely until a
particular criteria is met by a record update. To pause a workflow for a timed duration see
[Timer workflow
activities](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=c_TimerActivities&version=brazil&pubname=brazil-servicenow-platform&ft:locale=en-US).  
For workflow to consider the condition met, all conditions specified -- whether in the builder or in a script -- must be true.  
Note:  
A Wait for condition activity should only be used to wait for an external event such as a record update, and not one from a workflow setting a value. If you have a workflow setting a value and want to wait for that same field to be seen as 'changed,' try inserting a one-second timer.

## Results

The workflow designer can assign a result value using `activity.result` from
within a script field of the activity. The activity transitions when the result value is
true.

## Input variables

The following variables determine the behavior of the activity.  
Note:  
Condition activities run as the user whose actions match the conditions the workflow was waiting for and advances the workflow.
{#r_WaitForCondition__table_uml_1qt_jp__entry__2}

| Field | Description |
|-|-|
| Condition | The workflow is paused at this activity until this condition matches the current record. |
| Condition script | If specified, the workflow is paused at this activity until this script sets the <var class="keyword varname">answer</var> variable to true. |
| Enable Timeout | Option to limit the amount of time that the workflow waits for the activity to be completed before continuing. Note: Use the Enable timeout option to prevent this activity from continuing to run. If the condition to continue is never met, a timeout value specifies when the system skips the Wait for Condition activity and goes to the next item in the workflow. You must set a Duration value to enable a timeout. You can also select a Schedule if you want to compute the duration end date based on a specific work schedule. |
| Duration | Amount of time that the workflow waits before continuing when the Enable timeout option is selected. Enter the time to wait in hours, minutes, and seconds. If you leave this field empty, the workflow does not wait. |
[Table 1. Wait for condition activity input variables]

{#r_WaitForCondition__table_uml_1qt_jp}

## States

The activity state tells the workflow engine what to do with the activity.{#r_WaitForCondition__table_wvy_pqt_jp__entry__2}

| State | Description |
|-|-|
| Executing | The workflow engine knows to start the onExecute function of the activity. |
| Waiting | The workflow engine ignores the activity until a specific event to restart the activity is fired. |
| Finished | The activity finished running. See the result value for the outcome of the activity. |
| Cancelled | This activity, or the workflow that contains this activty, was canceled. |
| Error | A JavaScript error occurred. Review the logs for error details. |
[Table 2. Wait for condition activity states]

{#r_WaitForCondition__table_wvy_pqt_jp}