imminent

[ im-uh-nuhnt ]

adjective

1. likely to occur at any moment; impending:

   Her death is imminent.

   Synonyms: near, at hand

   Antonyms: remote, distant

2. projecting or leaning forward; overhanging.

imminent

/ ˈɪmɪnənt /

adjective

1. liable to happen soon; impending
2. obsolete.
   jutting out or overhanging

Derived Forms

• ˈimminence, noun
• ˈimminently, adverb

Other Words From

• im·mi·nent·ly adverb
• im·mi·nent·ness noun
• un·im·mi·nent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of imminent¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin imminent- (stem of imminēns ), present participle of imminēre “to overhang,” equivalent to im- im- ¹ + -min- from a base meaning “jut out, project, rise” ( eminent, mount ² ) + -ent- -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of imminent¹

C16: from Latin imminēre to project over, from im- (in) + -minēre to project; related to mons mountain

Synonym Study

Imminent, Impending, Threatening all may carry the implication of menace, misfortune, disaster, but they do so in differing degrees. Imminent may portend evil: an imminent catastrophe, but also may mean simply “about to happen”: The merger is imminent. Impending has a weaker sense of immediacy and threat than imminent : Real tax relief legislation is impending, but it too may be used in situations portending disaster: impending social upheaval; to dread the impending investigation. Threatening almost always suggests ominous warning and menace: a threatening sky just before the tornado struck.

Example Sentences

Earlier this month, a UN-backed assessment said there was a strong likelihood that famine was imminent in areas of northern Gaza.

From BBC

A UN-backed assessment warned earlier this month that there was “strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip”.

From BBC

There is no evidence of an imminent publication of that strategy as the WRU continues to negotiate with the four Welsh professional sides.

From BBC

The following month, the Kremlin leader announced imminent changes to the Russian nuclear doctrine, the document setting out the preconditions under which Moscow might decide to use a nuclear weapon.

From BBC

Shortly after 20:00 on 29 October a first message was sent out warning of the imminent risk of a dam being breached.

From BBC

Related Words

• forthcoming
• immediate
• impending
• inevitable
• likely
• looming
• possible
• probable
• unavoidable