temporary

1 of 2

adjective

tem·​po·​rary ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē 

: lasting for a limited time

temporariness noun

temporary

2 of 2

noun

plural temporaries

: one serving for a limited time

adding several temporaries as typists during the summer

Synonyms

Adjective

• ad interim
• impermanent
• interim
• provisional
• provisionary
• provisory
• short-term

Examples of temporary in a Sentence

Adjective

The drug will give you temporary relief from the pain.

The delay is only temporary.

The settlers built temporary shelters.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But work and organization scholar Philip Hancock offers a different angle on the familiar image of the Santa Claus-for-hire: that of a worker in a temporary seasonal service job. —Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 15 Dec. 2024

This led to her parents holding a conservatorship over her, one which began as temporary then turned into long-term ordeal. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024

Noun

While this approach seems reasonable, its tradeoffs necessitate SNAP reforms that balance keeping this costly program temporary for recipients while supporting their agency and choice for long-term self-sufficiency. —Vance Ginn, National Review, 11 Mar. 2024

After removing the temporaries, Dr. Apa slid in my new veneers, which were then bonded to my current teeth's enamel. —Kassidy Silva, Allure, 23 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin temporārius "suited to the occasion, made for the occasion, lasting a limited time," from tempor-, tempus "time, period of time" + -ārius -ary entry 2 — more at tempo

Noun

derivative of temporary entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1564, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing temporary

• temporary duty

Kids Definition

temporary

adjective

tem·​po·​rary

ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē

: not permanent : lasting for a limited time

a temporary shortage

temporarily

ˌtem-pə-ˈrer-ə-lē

adverb

Etymology

Adjective

from Latin temporarius "lasting for only a short time," from tempus "time" — related to tense entry 1