What does imminent mean?
Imminent is an adjective meaning that something is about to happen or is expected to happen very soon. It is often used with words such as danger, threat, crisis, and arrival, especially when describing an event that is approaching rapidly and requires attention. The word conveys urgency and a strong expectation, rather than merely suggesting that an event is possible. For example, a warning about an imminent storm means severe weather is expected soon, while an imminent deadline means there is very little time left. Although the word is sometimes associated with unpleasant events, it can describe any imminent occurrence. Its precise Latin-derived history also distinguishes it from eminent, which means distinguished or important rather than about to happen.
adjectiveAbout to happen or likely to happen very soon; impending.
- About to happen or likely to happen very soon.
"The country faced the imminent threat of a severe storm."
"Emergency services prepared for the imminent arrival of the hurricane."
"The deadline was imminent, so the team worked through the night."
Imminent means the event is not merely possible—it is about to arrive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imminent come from?
Imminent comes from the Latin verb imminere, meaning “to overhang” or “to threaten,” with the sense developing toward “to be impending.” It is related to Latin eminere, “to project” or “stand out,” from which English words such as eminent, eminence, prominent, and prominence developed. The modern English adjective has been used since the early 17th century in the sense “about to happen.” Its relationship to eminent is etymological as well as phonetic, but their present-day meanings are quite different.
Related word forms
How imminent is actually used
Imminent is commonly used with danger, threat, crisis, or another adverse event. It describes something expected to happen very soon, not necessarily something that has already begun.
Easily confused with imminent
Imminent means about to happen, whereas eminent means distinguished or important.