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

“What the market calls a delay is quietly turning into a permanent reshaping of supply,” Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, wrote in a weekend note.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 26, 2026

Jones said that while the government will do everything in its power to find a permanent solution to the crisis and offset its impact, "what happens abroad will still affect us here at home".

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

Jobs left, returned as interim CEO in 1997, then permanent CEO in 2000.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

We wouldn’t be interring him in the Atlantic, but a pauper’s grave was just as permanent.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Related Words

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