What does impermanency mean?
Impermanency means the quality of not lasting forever. It refers to the temporary or transient nature of existence and is often used in philosophical, religious, and literary contexts, particularly when discussing change, mortality, and the instability of material life. The term has a reflective, sometimes solemn connotation because it emphasizes the eventual passing of people, possessions, circumstances, and natural phenomena. In Buddhism, impermanency is a fundamental principle, described through the observation that all conditioned things change and eventually cease to exist. Although “impermanence” is the more usual modern noun, “impermanency” remains especially associated with formal discourse and traditional religious teachings. It is useful in writing that seeks precise language for the fleeting nature of life rather than treating permanence as the natural condition of things.
nounThe quality of being impermanent or temporary; the state of not lasting forever. It is especially associated with philosophical and religious discussions of change, mortality, and transience.
- The quality or condition of being temporary, transient, or subject to change and eventual loss.
"The quiet garden serves as a reminder of the impermanency of human life."
"The poem reflects on the impermanency of beauty."
"Buddhist meditation can help practitioners contemplate the impermanency of life."
The plural is rare; the noun is normally used in the singular or uncountably.
"The reflections on nature emphasize the impermanencies of seasonal change."
Impermanency is one of Buddhism’s core teachings: all conditioned things arise, change, and pass away.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impermanency come from?
The word was formed in the early 19th century from the adjective “impermanent,” which combines the Latin-derived prefix “im-” with “permanent.” “Permanent” comes from Latin permanere, meaning “to remain or continue.” The result shares a conceptual history with words such as “transient,” “temporary,” and “ephemeral,” all of which describe things that pass rather than endure indefinitely.
Related word forms
How impermanency is actually used
A formal and relatively uncommon term, found especially in philosophical, religious, and literary writing. In general usage, “impermanence” is normally preferred.
Easily confused with impermanency
Impermanence is the standard, more common noun, whereas impermanency is a less frequent formal or literary equivalent.
Impermanency means the condition of not lasting permanently, whereas impotence means a lack of power or effectiveness.