transitory
Americanadjective
-
not lasting, enduring, permanent, or eternal.
-
lasting only a short time; brief; short-lived; temporary.
- Antonyms:
- permanent
adjective
Synonym Usage
See temporary.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of transitory
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English transitorie, from Late Latin trānsitōrius “fleeting” ( see transit, -tory 1); replacing Middle English transitoire, from Middle French, from Late Latin, as above
Explanation
If something is fleeting or lasts a short time, it is transitory. Your boss declared the company's restructuring to be transitory, and promised that the company would emerge stronger and better than ever. The adjective transitory describes something that is fleeting, temporary, or brief. Even a transitory storm that passes quickly can get you drenched. Consider it an honor to be on the transitory team that helps the president make a smooth transfer of power. When you met your first love, your parents thought that the relationship was transitory — but fifty years later, you're still married!
Vocabulary lists containing transitory
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Great Gatsby
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Power Prefix: trans-
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On top of that, he said, the evidence is "transitory" because of the weather.
From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026
But in the long term, Islamabad’s gains may prove transitory.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026
Statewide, 11.6% of high school students are transitory.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026
Fed officials were hoping inflation would be transitory over the past few years, Tipp said.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026
It was a forgetting and an awakening at the same time, transitory but deep.
From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
