B2adjective1K

Instant

UK /["/ˈɪnstənt/"]/US /["/ˈɪnstənt/"]/

Definition

happening immediately

In simple words: Something that happens very quickly.

Examples

  • This account gives you instant access to your money.
  • The show was an instant success.
  • People today seem to want **instant gratification**.
  • She took an instant dislike to me, the first time we met.
  • There is no instant solution to the problem of rising crime.
  • instant coffee

Usage notes

Use 'instant' to describe something immediate or occurring without delay. It's appropriate in both casual and professional contexts, but may be less common in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'instant coffee' – it’s ready in an instant!

Collocations

  • be
  • almost

Synonyms

  • immediate

Antonyms

  • delayed
  • slow
  • gradual

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'instantly' which is the adverb form.
  • Using it as a noun, forgetting it is mainly an adjective.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'in-stant'.