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

Jones Act waivers trim pennies, though permanent repeal may cause more fundamental changes, such as reduced rail and truck transport of all goods, which could lower costs, emissions and infrastructure damage associated with cargo transportation.

From Salon • May 13, 2026

Then it was on to France, with Melanie's goal of finding them a permanent community.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Although his life has turned into a globe-trotting affair, Calva’s permanent residence remains in Mexico City.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

“I feel like people are afraid right now to make any permanent type of decision on buying a house,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

For by now, in addition to the workers whom we wanted to initiate into the system, we had three more permanent boarders: Thea Dacosta, Meta Monsanto, and Mary Itallie.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

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