C1adjective5K

Imminent

UK /["/ˈɪmɪnənt/"]/US /["/ˈɪmɪnənt/"]/

Definition

likely to happen very soon

In simple words: Something that is going to happen very soon.

Examples

  • the imminent threat of invasion
  • The system is **in imminent danger of** collapse.
  • An announcement about his resignation is imminent.
  • An attack seems imminent.

Usage notes

Use 'imminent' to describe things that are about to happen, especially in serious or urgent situations. It is not typically used in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Sounds like 'imminent' — imagine a timer counting down to something big about to happen.

Collocations

  • imminent danger
  • imminent threat
  • imminent arrival
  • imminent decision
  • imminent change

Synonyms

  • approaching
  • looming
  • forthcoming
  • impending
  • pending

Antonyms

  • distant
  • remote
  • unlikely

Common mistakes

  • 'Imminent' is not interchangeable with 'imminent' when describing future events.
  • Confusing 'imminent' with 'immediate', which means happening right away.
  • Using 'imminent' for events far in the future.