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Synonyms

impermanence

American  
[im-pur-muh-nuhns] / ɪmˈpɜr mə nəns /
Rarely impermanency

noun

  1. the fact or quality of being temporary or short-lived.

    The novel poignantly explores the impermanence of childhood—the ebb and flow of memories and experiences that make up our disappearing past.


Etymology

Origin of impermanence

First recorded in 1790–1800; equivalent to im- 2 ( def. ) + permanence ( def. )

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.

See Examples For:

England have described the arrangement for the second Test as "interim", and its impermanence seems important.

From BBC Jun. 10, 2026

As they change color, wither and flame out, they remind us of the beauty of life, and of life’s impermanence.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 16, 2025

Dahlia Lithwick: The book is deliberately rooted in this paradox of permanence and impermanence.

From Slate Sep. 8, 2025

By all measures, this is a movie that needs to do well, even for a studio that prides itself on the impermanence of its properties.

From Salon Jul. 25, 2025

He was lecturing me on the impermanence of memory.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

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