What does imminence mean?
Imminence is a formal noun meaning the condition of being about to happen, particularly when the event is threatening, urgent, or momentous. It names the approach of danger rather than the danger itself: a writer might speak of the imminence of war, a storm, or a crisis. The word often conveys heightened tension and the awareness that something significant is close at hand, giving it a more serious and occasionally dramatic tone than words such as approach. In general use, it is uncommon, appearing especially in political, historical, and literary discussion. Its related adjective is imminent, and the adverb form is imminently. Although the plural imminences is grammatically possible, it is rarely needed because the word normally describes an approaching situation in the singular.
nounThe condition of being about to happen, especially when the event is threatening or urgent. It refers to the nearness or impending character of an event rather than to the event itself.
- The condition of being imminent, especially the approach of a threatening or significant event.
- The state of being close at hand or about to occur.
"The growing imminence of the storm made everyone secure the windows."
"The sense of imminence in the room disappeared when the emergency was resolved."
"Historians later emphasized the imminence of the conflict, though it ultimately began only after prolonged negotiations."
The plural is grammatical but uncommon; the singular is normally preferred for a single approaching event or situation.
"The novel depicts the separate imminences of personal and national disaster."
Imminence is the moment before an event becomes undeniable: the storm, crisis, or deadline that is almost here.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of imminence
Imminence comes from the Latin noun imminentia, derived from imminere, meaning “to threaten” or “to overhang.” The Latin verb combines the prefix in-, meaning “in” or “on,” with minere, related to projecting or jutting out, giving the sense of something hanging over someone. English borrowed the word in the early 17th century, initially in the context of imminent danger, and the related adjective imminent developed alongside it.
Related word forms
How imminence is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. It is often used in literary, political, or historical contexts and carries a stronger implication of danger, urgency, or overwhelming importance than a neutral description of something approaching.
Easily confused with imminence
Imminence is the noun meaning the state of being about to happen, whereas imminent is the adjective describing an event or danger that is about to occur.