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.

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Etymology

Origin of impermanence

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

Example Sentences

As a street artist, however, Mero has had to embrace impermanence, although she acknowledges it can be a bummer when a piece disappears in a day or two.

From Los Angeles Times

While you meditate you brood on the impermanence of all things, including yourself, and envision yourself as a corpse, lying out on a bier, all life gone.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was that sense of impermanence, she believes, that made the films special.

From Los Angeles Times

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

But that impermanence is also what makes the holidays so special.

From Salon

Related Words

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• fluctuation
• insecurity
• uncertainty
• volatility
• vulnerability
• weakness