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”; 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

Austrian bank Bawag agreed to acquire Irish lender Permanent TSB for 1.62 billion euros, offering 2.97 euros per share.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Permanent life insurance typically has higher premiums than term-life insurance, and many people don’t need it.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Blumenthal’s office did not confirm whether Schwank or the other, still anonymous whistleblower provided the documents released Monday in a 90-page memorandum from minority staff of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate and House Armed Services committees viewed the footage in a closed-door meeting with military brass involved in the strikes.

From Salon • Dec. 5, 2025

Permanent transients with no attachments and tired looking men with their families and dogs in flivvers.

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston

Related Words

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