What does interim mean?
Interim describes something that exists only for a limited time or serves as a temporary substitute until a more permanent arrangement is ready. It is especially common in formal and institutional settings, as in interim government, interim report, and interim arrangement. The adjective carries a practical rather than merely casual sense: it often indicates that a decision, leader, policy, or document is provisional and may be revised or replaced. As a noun, an interim is the period during which such a temporary arrangement operates. The word is related to Latin interīmus, meaning “intermediate” or “temporary,” and ultimately reflects the idea of something coming “between” two more established stages. Although similar to temporary and provisional, interim often implies an acknowledged transition or a deliberate stopgap measure, giving it a more formal and administrative tone.
Existing or happening temporarily, often as a provisional measure before a more permanent arrangement is made.
"The council issued an interim statement about the planned changes."
Common in formal, institutional, and business contexts.
A temporary period, arrangement, or office lasting until a more permanent one is established.
"She was appointed as interim director during the recruitment process."
Usually singular in general use, although the plural interims is occasionally used for separate temporary periods or arrangements.
The plural is uncommon; the singular is generally preferred when referring to a temporary period or arrangement.
"The organisation experienced several interims before appointing a permanent director."
From Latin for “between,” interim originally described what came between two stages, before English broadened the word to mean “temporary.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interim come from?
Interim comes from Latin interīmus, meaning “intermediate” or “temporary,” a form related to inter, “between.” English adopted the word in the late 16th century for matters occurring during an interval before a final or permanent stage. The same Latin root underlies related forms in French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and other European languages.
Related word forms
How interim is actually used
In its adjective sense, interim is common in formal and professional contexts, especially in government, business, law, and administration. As a noun, it usually refers to a temporary period, although it can also denote a temporary appointment or arrangement.