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

See Examples For:

impermanence

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

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.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 11, 2025

Restlessness, impermanence, and speed were embedded in the culture that soon emerged there, along with an openness to anything new.

From "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal" by Eric Schlosser

Related Words

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• insecurity
• uncertainty
• volatility
• vulnerability
• weakness