adjective

permanent

/ˈpɜːrmənənt/ · say it: PER·muh·nuhnt

lasting or intended to last indefinitely

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

lasting or continuing forever or for a very long time without changing or ending

Examples

She got a permanent job at the company, not just temporary work.

How to use permanent

Permanent describes something intended or expected to last indefinitely, often in contrast to temporary arrangements. It is widely used across formal and informal contexts, from legal (permanent residence) to everyday language (permanent ink). Note that something described as permanent may eventually end or change, but the word emphasizes the expectation or intention of continuity.

Common phrases

permanent damage
permanent position
permanent resident
permanent marker
permanent solution

Synonyms

lasting · enduring · perpetual · indefinite · fixed

Opposites

temporary · provisional · fleeting

Word family

permanence (noun) · permanently (adverb) · permanency (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes treat permanent as absolute or truly infinite; in reality, most permanent things can change or be revoked, and the word indicates intention or expected duration rather than absolute eternity.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD