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 • Mar. 4, 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

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

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2025

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

From Slate • Sep. 8, 2025

Life’s impermanence, I realized, is what makes every single day so precious.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

Related Words

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