Temporary: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe something that has an end date or is not permanent. It is very common in everyday speech to discuss jobs, living arrangements, conditions, or situations.

• She got a temporary job at the local store.
• The company provided temporary housing for out-of-town employees.
• This is a temporary solution until we find something more permanent.

This word is often used to describe something that will last for a short period, and it is usually contrasted with 'long-term.' It is commonly found in financial, business, and planning contexts.

• They are looking for short-term investments.
• Short-term goals can help you achieve long-term success.
• We need a short-term fix until we can develop a better plan.

This word is used to describe something that is brief or not lasting, often with a sense of passing quickly. It can describe feelings, conditions, or populations. Sometimes it can have a slightly negative connotation implying instability.

• The transient nature of his job made it hard for him to settle down.
• She experienced a transient pain in her side.
• Transient populations often have difficulty accessing healthcare.

This word is typically used in more formal or professional contexts to describe something that acts as a placeholder until a longer-term solution is found. It is common in business and academic worlds.

• They appointed an interim manager until the new CEO was hired.
• The interim report will be presented at the next meeting.
• In the interim period, we've decided to focus on improving the current system.

This term is used when referring to something that does not last for a long time. It can apply to jobs, conditions, or situations.

• She got a temporary job for the summer.
• The building is undergoing temporary repairs.

This word is used for someone hired to perform work or provide services under a contract. Contractors often work on specific projects and are not permanent employees.

• They hired a contractor to renovate the kitchen.
• The IT department brought in a contractor to upgrade the software.

This is an informal term for a temporary worker, usually through an agency. Temps fill in for short periods to cover for regular employees or for special projects.

• They needed a temp to cover for an employee on maternity leave.
• The accounting department always hires temps during tax season.

This term refers to someone who works independently, often for different clients, rather than being employed by one organization. Freelancers can work in various industries, like writing, art, or programming.

• She works as a freelancer and takes on multiple writing projects.
• The company hired a freelancer to design their new logo.

Used when describing something that lasts for a limited period of time or is not permanent. Commonly used in everyday language, business, or when discussing time-limited situations.

• She found a temporary job for the summer.
• The bridge is closed for temporary repairs.

Typically used in more formal contexts to describe something or someone that is temporary or short-lived. Often used in academic, scientific, or professional settings.

• The transient nature of the storm left the city relatively unscathed.
• The hotel caters to a transient population of business travelers.

Commonly used to describe something that is happening briefly and then ends, often used in phrases like 'a passing moment' or 'a passing phase'. It can sometimes have a neutral or melancholic tone.

• It was just a passing thought, nothing serious.
• The passing of the seasons always amazes me.

Often used to describe something that happens very quickly and lasts for a short time. It has a slightly poetic or emotional tone.

• She caught a fleeting glimpse of him before he disappeared into the crowd.
• Their happiness was fleeting, gone almost as soon as it appeared.