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.

---

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

---

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”; see 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

Local groups that oppose ICE’s efforts celebrated the ruling and pledged to continue applying pressure until there is a permanent ruling ensuring the building will never operate as a detention center.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

At that congress, Kim said North Korea's "position as a nuclear weapons state has been consolidated to be irreversible and permanent".

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

The law also allows children to request the permanent deletion of a video in which they feature after they turn 18.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

The mammals were planned to be showcased at a permanent, public exhibit at Sloth World in Orlando, set to open this spring.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

As if Eusie’s arrival had broken down a last hesitation, within a week there were three new permanent additions to the household.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

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