1
Approaching event
Expected to occur very soon.
Example
Dark clouds suggested that a storm was imminent.
imminent
/ˈɪmɪnənt/ · IM-ih-nuhntadjective
About to happen very soon.
Use imminent when the context supports this precise sense: about to happen very soon.
What imminent Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Impending change
Close in time and strongly anticipated.
Example
The announcement signalled an imminent policy shift.
3
Immediate threat
Likely to occur without much delay.
Example
Residents were warned of imminent flooding.
Use imminent Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Dark clouds suggested that a storm was imminent.
The announcement signalled an imminent policy shift.
Residents were warned of imminent flooding.
Precision Matters
Imminent overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
imminent
vs.Means about to happen very soon.
ominous
Means threatening or suggesting that something bad is likely to happen.
imminent
vs.Means about to happen very soon.
ineluctable
Means inescapable; inevitable.
imminent
vs.Means about to happen very soon.
latent
Means existing but not yet developed or visible.
imminent
vs.Means about to happen very soon.
impending
Means about to occur soon.
Test imminent in Context
The event is expected very soon, which explains the urgency.
1
Seismic readings indicated that an eruption was ___, prompting officials to order an immediate evacuation.