# imminent

/ˈɪmənənt/ (US) · /ˈɪmɪnənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/imminent
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

about to happen very soon. You use this to describe something that feels like it is coming at any moment, often something important or scary.

For teachers: about to occur; impending or fast approaching. Typically used to describe events that are certain to happen in the immediate future, often with a sense of urgency or threat.

## Examples

- The dark clouds suggest that a storm is imminent.
- The government issued a warning because a volcanic eruption appeared imminent after several small earthquakes.
- Despite the diplomat's optimistic public statements, the sudden movement of troops toward the border suggested that a full-scale invasion was imminent.

## Pitfalls

- Not "an eminent danger" but "an imminent danger" — Learners often confuse 'imminent' (about to happen) with 'eminent' (famous or respected).

## Usage notes

- Typically used as a predicative adjective after a linking verb or as an attributive adjective before a noun.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.