imminence

[ im-uh-nuhns ]

noun

1. Also imminency. the state or condition of being imminent or impending:

   the imminence of war.

2. something that is imminent, especially an impending evil or danger.

Word History and Origins

Origin of imminence¹

From the Late Latin word imminentia, dating back to 1600–10. See imminent, -ence

Example Sentences

In music, a sense of imminence gives us some purchase on that temporal forward motion that we can’t control.

From Washington Post

Imminence isn’t exclusive to rock bands, but it is a thing good rock bands do very well, and it might be something only music can do.

From Washington Post

Instead, imminence might be that musical sensation of time pushing everyone forward at once, like the wind at our backs.

From Washington Post

While these models may be useful for governments and policymakers to watch out for signs of rising Covid-19 infections—and escalate healthcare systems accordingly—its imminence has taken away the focus from India’s ongoing second wave.

From Quartz

She is baffled, for instance, by the fact that most humans seem to ignore the imminence of death and the strange beauty of life.

From The Daily Beast

Koh developed a theory of "elongated imminence," which he likened to "battered spouse syndrome."

From The Daily Beast

The settlement no doubt was influenced by the imminence of a large expansion of policy—the ill-starred Irish expedition.

From Project Gutenberg

He seemed suddenly recalled to himself—to the imminence of some crisis dominating his freedom of decision.

From Project Gutenberg

The services of John Clarke must be estimated by the imminence of the danger, and his skill by the difficulty of the negotiation.

From Project Gutenberg

Weary as she was, the imminence of disaster at first fascinated—then enthralled her.

From Project Gutenberg

Their organization is usually quite informal and is determined by the nature and imminence of its conflicts with other groups.

From Project Gutenberg