permanent

[pur-muh-nuhnt]

adjective

1. existing perpetually; everlasting, especially without significant change.

   Synonyms: constant, invariable, stable
   Antonyms: inconstant, temporary

2. intended to exist or function for a long, indefinite period without regard to unforeseeable conditions.

   a permanent employee; the permanent headquarters of the United Nations.

3. long-lasting or nonfading.

   permanent pleating; permanent ink.

noun

1. Also called permanent wave. a wave or curl that is set into the hair by the application of a special chemical preparation and that remains for a number of months.

permanent

/ ˈpɜːmənənt /

adjective

1. existing or intended to exist for an indefinite period

   a permanent structure

2. not expected to change for an indefinite time; not temporary

   a permanent condition

Other Word Forms

• permanently adverb
• permanentness noun
• nonpermanent adjective
• nonpermanently adverb
• pseudopermanent adjective
• quasi-permanent adjective
• quasi-permanently adverb
• subpermanent adjective
• subpermanently adverb
• unpermanent adjective
• unpermanently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of permanent¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin permanent-, stem of permanēns “remaining,” present participle of permanēre “to remain”; per-, remain

Word History and Origins

Origin of permanent¹

C15: from Latin permanens continuing, from permanēre to stay to the end, from per- through + manēre to remain

Example Sentences

Struggling chain Kohl’s KSS 2.03%increase; green up pointing triangle on Tuesday posted a surprise profit and raised its annual guidance, following the announcement of the hiring of a new permanent chief executive.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Even under Justinian law, though, a slave was property, and if freedom was a natural state, it wasn’t necessarily a permanent one.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy appears close to being appointed as Rodgers' permanent successor and O'Neill thinks Celtic are well placed for the new man in charge, whoever it may be.

Read more on BBC

The 29-year-old suspect was granted asylum -- not permanent residency -- in April this year, according to AfghanEvac, a group that helped resettle Afghans in the United States after the 2021 Taliban takeover.

Read more on Barron's

On the economic front, Europe’s political class is trapped in a permanent panic attack.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• durable 
• enduring 
• long-lasting 
• perpetual 
• stable