permanent

American  

[pur-muh-nuhnt] / ˈpɜr mə nənt /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of permanent

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

Explanation

Something that’s permanent is constant and lasting, as opposed to temporary. Think twice about writing in permanent marker or getting a tattoo — both are just about impossible to erase. If you wait around for something permanent to change, you'll be there for a long time — maybe forever. That's because the adjective permanent is used to describe something that continues on into the foreseeable future without shifting, moving, or changing at all. You might also come across the noun permanent, which refers to a chemical treatment used to curl your hair. But please know that "perms" aren't really cool anymore.

Example Sentences

Taco Bell added Mountain Dew Baja Blast dirty sodas and Tropicana Original dirty lemonades to its permanent menu in March, part of the chain’s effort to build a $5 billion beverage business by 2030.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Unified had offered a one-time bonus of 3% for the current school year, then a permanent hike of 4% on July 1, 4% more on Jan. 1, 2027, and 2% more on Jan. 1, 2028.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

The locations are aimed at securing a presence for special forces and permanent access to Arctic waters, as well as expanding space and submarine monitoring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

A permanent memorial in memory of three soldiers killed in Iraq more than 20 years ago have been unveiled to the public.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Before her stood a dozen men with fair, red-cheeked complexions and eyes in a permanent squint.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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