temporary

[ tem-puh-rer-ee ]

adjective

1. lasting, existing, serving, or effective for a time only; not permanent:

   a temporary need;

   a temporary job.

   Synonyms: passing, impermanent

   Antonyms: permanent

noun

, plural tem·po·rar·ies.

1. temp ( def 1 ).

temporary

/ ˈtɛmprərɪ; ˈtɛmpərərɪ /

adjective

1. not permanent; provisional

   temporary accommodation

2. lasting only a short time; transitory

   temporary relief from pain

noun

1. a person, esp a secretary or other office worker, employed on a temporary basis Often shortened totemp

Derived Forms

• ˈtemporariness, noun
• ˈtemporarily, adverb

Other Words From

• tem·po·rar·i·ly [tem-p, uh, -, rair, -, uh, -lee, tem, -p, uh, -rer-], adverb
• tem·po·rar·i·ness noun
• non·tem·po·rar·i·ness noun
• non·tem·po·rar·y adjective
• un·tem·po·rar·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of temporary¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin temporārius, equivalent to tempor- (stem of tempus ) “time” + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of temporary¹

C16: from Latin temporārius, from tempus time

Synonym Study

Temporary, transient, transitory agree in referring to that which is not lasting or permanent. Temporary implies an arrangement established with no thought of continuance but with the idea of being changed soon: a temporary structure. Transient describes that which is in the process of passing by, and which will therefore last or stay only a short time: a transient condition. Transitory describes an innate characteristic by which a thing, by its very nature, lasts only a short time: Life is transitory.

Example Sentences

The latest homeless count did show some long-awaited progress: The number of unsheltered homeless people — those who live outside instead of in a shelter or other temporary housing— dropped 5% in the county and 10% in the city.

From Los Angeles Times

But from the time of Smyth’s prosecution, the family were given temporary residency permits, which had to be renewed every 30 days.

From BBC

He said displacement is also disruptive and departing tenants could “fall through the cracks” and not receive their money, find temporary housing and return to a new home.

From Los Angeles Times

About 40 residents have been moved to temporary accommodation in Dorset, Hampshire and West Sussex.

From BBC

New Zealand's parliament was brought to a temporary halt by MPs performing a haka, amid anger over a controversial bill seeking to reinterpret the country's founding treaty with Māori people.

From BBC

Related Words

• brief
• interim
• limited
• makeshift
• momentary
• provisional
• short-lived
• transitory