temporary

[tem-puh-rer-ee]

adjective

1. lasting, existing, serving, or effective for a time only; not permanent.

   a temporary need;

   a temporary job.

   Synonyms: passing, impermanent
   Antonyms: permanent

noun

plural

temporaries 

1. temp.

temporary

/ ˈtɛmprərɪ, ˈtɛmpərərɪ /

adjective

1. not permanent; provisional

   temporary accommodation

2. lasting only a short time; transitory

   temporary relief from pain

noun

1. Often shortened to: temp. a person, esp a secretary or other office worker, employed on a temporary basis

Other Word Forms

• temporarily adverb
• temporariness noun
• nontemporariness noun
• nontemporary adjective
• untemporary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of temporary¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin temporārius, equivalent to tempor- (stem of tempus ) “time” + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of temporary¹

C16: from Latin temporārius, from tempus time

Synonym Study

Temporary, transient, transitory agree in referring to that which is not lasting or permanent. Temporary implies an arrangement established with no thought of continuance but with the idea of being changed soon: a temporary structure. Transient describes that which is in the process of passing by, and which will therefore last or stay only a short time: a transient condition. Transitory describes an innate characteristic by which a thing, by its very nature, lasts only a short time: Life is transitory.

Example Sentences

Border Patrol Sector Chief Gregory Bovino questioned his “loyalty to the country” after Sherman initially hesitated about leading a temporary occupation of MacArthur Park in July because it would cause chaos.

From Los Angeles Times

The Board of Immigration Appeals’ decision stems from the case of a Venezuelan immigrant who crossed the border in November 2022 near El Paso, Texas, and was later granted temporary protected status.

From Los Angeles Times

The TPS program was established by Congress in 1990 to give temporary protections for migrants from countries experiencing war and natural disasters.

From BBC

The temporary ban on the public entering the main chambers in the Commons and Lords will remain in place "until further notice", a UK Parliament spokesperson said.

From BBC

The vote came amid a wider debate over the Democratic Party’s approach to Israel, and whether recent actions represent a genuine shift in policy thinking, as opposed to a temporary, tactical adjustment to current circumstances.

From Salon

Related Words

• brief 
• interim 
• limited 
• makeshift 
• momentary 
• provisional 
• short-lived 
• transitory