Impermanent: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used when referring to something that does not last forever but can potentially last for a significant period.

• The beauty of the sandcastle is impermanent, as the tides will eventually wash it away

Used to describe something that is meant to last only for a limited period, often with an expectation of change or replacement.

• They set up a temporary shelter to provide assistance to the flood victims

Best used to describe something that is not permanent and likely to pass swiftly. Often refers to people or conditions.

• The city has a large transient population due to its status as a travel hub

Best used when referring to something that is very short-lived or lasts for a brief moment. Often used in a poetic or literary sense.

• The ephemeral nature of a rainbow makes it all the more beautiful

Best suited for describing experiences or occurrences that are very quick and come and go in a flash.

• She caught a fleeting glimpse of a deer before it dashed into the forest

Best used when emphasizing that something lasts for a short duration, often unexpectedly.

• Their victory was short-lived, as the opposing team scored the winning goal in the last minute