impermanence

Rarely im·per·ma·nen·cy

[im-pur-muh-nuhns]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of impermanence¹

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

Example Sentences

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

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

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Or, as Long put it, “embracing the rare imperfections and impermanence of it all.”

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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.

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For all the impermanence — packing up and relocating just about every two years — Hutson said his upbringing was in many ways ideal, shaping his outlook to this day.

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