Etymology
Origin of imminence
From the Late Latin word imminentia, dating back to 1600–10. See imminent, -ence
Explanation
Imminence is when something is just about to occur. You might talk about the imminence of snow on a cold, cloudy winter morning. The noun imminence is good for describing the quality of something that's likely to happen soon. It comes from the adjective imminent, or "about to happen." A small country might worry about the imminence of invasion from a larger country, or you could predict the imminence of your dog running to bark at the door after hearing him growl at a noise outside. The Latin root word is imminere, "to overhang, impend, or be near."
Vocabulary lists containing imminence
"Marigolds" by Eugenia Coller
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Slay
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Angela's Ashes
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In California, courts have emphasized that imminence means that the danger must exist at the moment the fatal shot is fired.
From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026
But while he does feel that stocks have been in “bubble territory for a prolonged period that, sooner or later, will burst,” signals suggesting imminence of a crash aren’t yet evident in markets.
From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026
That is interesting if true, but no evidence is given for that moment’s imminence.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026
Downing Street is aware of the potential imminence of such a threat to them.
From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025
Jethro was depressed by her somber mood, but not by the imminence of war.
From "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
