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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.

"I think ultimately the big elephant in the room for most of us is climate change," Ms Oshinowo told the BBC about the show The Beauty of Impermanence: An Architecture of Adaptability.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2024

Impermanence is a reality in professional sports, and during this NBA period of heavy player movement, success is more fleeting than ever.

From Washington Post • May 27, 2022

“Young people today experience the opposite. Impermanence is everywhere.”

From Washington Post • Nov. 4, 2016

Impermanence, cause and effect, suffering, desire, the precious nature of life.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Impermanence, like the fierce lion, can even spoil the Nâga-elephant-great-Rishi.

From Sacred Books of the East by Various

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.