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B2 Adjective #29 most common 12 min read

imminent

Top 29

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips imminent in 30 Seconds

Explanation imminent in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'imminent' might be a bit difficult because it is a formal word. However, you can think of it as a very strong way to say 'very, very soon.' Imagine you are waiting for a bus. If the bus is far away, it is not imminent. If you can see the bus coming down the street and it will be here in ten seconds, you can say the bus is 'imminent.' It is like a countdown reaching the number three, two, one. In your daily life, you might use it when you are waiting for a friend to arrive or when you are about to start a game. It is a word that helps people understand that they need to be ready right now. Even though you might not use it every day, knowing it helps you understand news reports or signs that warn you about things happening quickly. Just remember: Imminent = Very Soon + Be Ready.

For A2 learners, 'imminent' is a useful word to add to your vocabulary for describing time. You already know words like 'soon' or 'next week.' 'Imminent' is more specific than those. It means something is going to happen almost immediately. For example, if you are in a classroom and the bell is about to ring, the end of the lesson is 'imminent.' You use this word for events, not for people. You wouldn't say 'I am imminent,' but you could say 'My arrival is imminent.' It is often used for things that are a little bit serious, like a storm coming or a big test starting. When you see this word, think about a clock ticking very fast. It tells the reader or listener that there is no more time to wait. It is a great word to use in emails when you want to tell someone that a deadline is very close.

At the B1 level, you should start to notice that 'imminent' is often used in news and formal writing. It is a B2-level word, but B1 students can use it to make their English sound more professional. It describes an event that is about to happen and feels unavoidable. For example, 'The imminent arrival of the storm caused everyone to go inside.' Here, 'imminent' adds a sense of drama and urgency that the word 'soon' doesn't have. It also implies that the event is very close in time—usually minutes or hours, not days. You will often see it paired with words like 'danger,' 'threat,' 'arrival,' or 'departure.' Using 'imminent' correctly shows that you understand the difference between casual and formal English. It is a perfect word for describing situations where timing is critical and everyone is waiting for something to happen.

At the B2 level, 'imminent' is a key vocabulary item. You should be able to use it confidently in both speaking and writing. It is defined as 'about to happen,' but the nuance is that it often implies a sense of 'overhanging' or 'looming.' This comes from its Latin roots. At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse it with 'eminent' (famous) or 'immanent' (inherent). 'Imminent' is most frequently used in contexts of risk management, weather forecasting, and official announcements. For instance, 'The company is facing imminent bankruptcy.' This sounds much more serious and precise than saying 'The company will go bankrupt soon.' It suggests that the process has already started and the end is near. You should also practice using it in the predicative position, such as 'A change in policy is imminent,' to vary your sentence structures.

For C1 learners, 'imminent' is a word that you should use to provide precision and tone to your discourse. It carries a specific 'aspect' of time that suggests the future is pressing into the present. In academic or legal writing, 'imminent' has specific definitions. For example, 'imminent danger' is a legal term that justifies immediate action. You should explore how 'imminent' can be used metaphorically or to create atmosphere in creative writing. It often functions to create a 'proleptic' tension—where the future event is already shaping the current behavior of the characters or subjects. You might also encounter it in philosophical texts, though you must be careful to distinguish it from 'immanent.' At this level, you should also be aware of its collocations with adverbs like 'seemingly,' 'potentially,' or 'all but,' which allow you to qualify the degree of certainty regarding the upcoming event.

At the C2 level, you should have a masterly command of 'imminent' and its various shades of meaning. You understand that while it typically refers to the immediate future, its use can also be a rhetorical device to create a sense of 'eschatological' urgency or inevitability. You can distinguish between 'imminent' and 'impending' with ease—noting that 'impending' often carries a heavier, more ominous weight, while 'imminent' is more focused on the temporal proximity. You are also capable of using the word in highly formal or archaic contexts, perhaps even playing with its etymological roots of 'overhanging' in a poetic sense. Your use of 'imminent' should be flawless, appearing in complex structures like 'With the threat of war appearing ever more imminent, the diplomatic core worked tirelessly.' You also recognize the word's role in 'imminence theory' or other specialized fields, demonstrating a deep, multi-faceted understanding of how the word functions across different registers and disciplines.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

imminent in 30 Seconds

Imminent describes an event that is about to happen very soon, often implying urgency or inevitability.
It is commonly used for significant events like storms, deadlines, arrivals, or threats.
The word is more formal than 'soon' and is frequently found in news and professional reports.
It should not be confused with 'eminent' (famous) or 'immanent' (inherent).

The word imminent is a powerful adjective used to describe an event that is about to happen, usually within a very short timeframe. Unlike the word 'soon,' which can be vague and subjective, 'imminent' carries a weight of certainty and often a sense of urgency or pressure. When we say something is imminent, we are suggesting that the preparations should already be finished because the event is practically on our doorstep. Historically, the word comes from the Latin imminere, meaning 'to overhang.' This original meaning provides a perfect mental image: imagine a large rock perched precariously on the edge of a cliff, directly above you. It is overhanging; its fall is not just possible, but it is about to happen at any second. This sense of 'hanging over' is why the word is so frequently used in contexts involving danger, threats, or significant changes that cannot be avoided.

Temporal Urgency: The word implies that there is no longer time for long-term planning; the event is occurring in the immediate future.

Inevitability: It suggests that the sequence of events leading to the outcome is already in motion and cannot be stopped.

The dark, swirling clouds and the sudden drop in temperature made it clear that a violent storm was imminent.

In professional and journalistic contexts, 'imminent' is a staple. You will hear news anchors speak of an 'imminent announcement' from the government or an 'imminent threat' of conflict. In these cases, the word serves to capture the audience's attention and signal that they should stay tuned for immediate updates. It is rarely used for trivial things; you wouldn't usually say your lunch is imminent unless you are trying to be humorous or dramatic. Instead, it is reserved for milestones, disasters, arrivals, and departures. It bridges the gap between the present moment and the very next moment, acting as a linguistic warning sign.

With the jury returning to the courtroom, a verdict was imminent.

Furthermore, the word often appears in legal and political discourse. An 'imminent danger' is a specific legal standard used to justify certain actions, such as self-defense or emergency police intervention. If a threat is imminent, it means you cannot wait for a court order or a slow administrative process; you must act now. This highlights the word's connection to the concept of 'now or never.' It is a word that demands a reaction, whether that reaction is seeking shelter from a storm or preparing for a company merger that is about to be finalized.

The CEO's imminent retirement sparked a flurry of speculation about who would take over the company.

Emotional Tone: While it can be neutral, it often carries a tone of apprehension, excitement, or high-stakes tension.

Scientists warned that an eruption of the volcano was imminent, prompting an immediate evacuation of the nearby villages.

The diplomat felt that a breakthrough in the peace talks was imminent after weeks of stalemate.

Using 'imminent' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as an adjective and its specific collocations. Most commonly, it is used in the predicative position (after a verb like 'to be') or the attributive position (before a noun). Because it describes the timing of an event, the nouns it modifies are almost always action-oriented or event-based. You wouldn't call a person 'imminent,' but you would call their 'arrival' imminent. This distinction is crucial for maintaining natural-sounding English. When you use it after a linking verb, it functions to provide a status update on a situation. For example, 'The deadline is imminent' tells the listener that the time for work is nearly over.

Attributive Usage: Placed directly before the noun: 'The imminent danger forced us to leave.'

Everyone in the office was working late to prepare for the imminent inspection.

In more complex sentences, 'imminent' can be modified by adverbs to provide more nuance, though this is less common because the word itself is already quite strong. You might see 'seemingly imminent' or 'all but imminent.' These phrases suggest that while it looks like something is about to happen, there might be a tiny shred of doubt or a final step remaining. It is also frequently paired with 'threat,' 'danger,' 'collapse,' 'arrival,' and 'departure.' These pairings are so common that they have become fixed collocations in the minds of native speakers. When you use these pairs, your English sounds more idiomatic and professional.

Predicative Usage: Placed after a linking verb: 'A change in leadership is imminent.'

The doctor told the family that a full recovery was not imminent, but progress was being made.

Another way to use 'imminent' is in the context of describing a feeling or an atmosphere. You might say, 'There was a sense of imminent disaster in the air.' Here, the word describes the collective intuition of a group of people. This usage is particularly common in literature and creative writing to build suspense. By placing 'imminent' before a negative noun, the author creates a 'ticking clock' effect that keeps the reader engaged. It is a word that creates tension because it points toward a future that is so close it is almost the present.

The clouds were so low and dark that rain felt imminent even before the first drop fell.

Formal Contexts: In reports, use it to signal that an action must be taken immediately: 'Due to the imminent deadline, please submit your files.'

The negotiator believed that a signed agreement was imminent after the final round of talks.

The birds stopped singing, as if they sensed the imminent arrival of a predator.

In the real world, 'imminent' is a word that belongs to the domains of news, science, law, and high-stakes business. You are unlikely to hear it in a casual conversation about what someone is having for breakfast, but you will hear it constantly if you watch a weather report during hurricane season. Meteorologists use it to warn the public: 'Landfall is imminent.' This specific phrasing tells residents that they have run out of time to evacuate and must now take shelter. The word functions as a linguistic alarm bell. Similarly, in the world of finance, analysts might discuss the 'imminent collapse' of a stock or the 'imminent merger' of two giant corporations. In these cases, the word signals to investors that they need to make a decision immediately.

The news report stated that an imminent change in tax law would affect thousands of small businesses.

You will also encounter 'imminent' in literature and film, particularly in the thriller and horror genres. Authors use it to create a sense of 'dread.' If a character feels that 'danger is imminent,' the reader feels the same tension. It is a word that builds the 'climax' of a story. In movies, a countdown timer on a bomb is the visual equivalent of the word 'imminent.' In a more positive light, you might hear it in sports broadcasting when a team is about to score or win a championship: 'Victory is imminent for the home team!' This usage captures the excitement of a long-awaited moment finally coming to fruition.

In the movie, the hero realized that the imminent destruction of the city could only be stopped by a miracle.

In the workplace, 'imminent' is often used by project managers and executives. When a project is in its final stages, you might hear, 'The product launch is imminent.' This is a way of motivating the team to give their final push of effort. It can also be used in a more cautionary way, such as 'The deadline is imminent, so we cannot afford any more delays.' In this context, it serves as a polite but firm way to demand speed and focus. Because the word is formal, it carries more authority than saying 'The deadline is almost here.' It sounds more professional and serious, which is why it is preferred in corporate communications and official emails.

The company sent out an email warning employees of the imminent system maintenance scheduled for midnight.

During the press conference, the spokesperson confirmed that a statement was imminent.

The most frequent mistake people make with 'imminent' is confusing it with its homophones: 'eminent' and 'immanent.' While they sound very similar, their meanings are entirely different. 'Eminent' refers to someone who is famous, respected, or prominent in a particular field. For example, 'She is an eminent scientist.' Confusing these two can lead to very strange sentences, like 'The eminent storm is coming,' which would imply the storm is famous and respected rather than about to happen. To remember the difference, think of the 'E' in 'Eminent' as standing for 'Excellent' or 'Expert.' The 'I' in 'Imminent' stands for 'Immediate.'

Imminent vs. Eminent: Imminent = About to happen. Eminent = Famous and respected.

Incorrect: The eminent arrival of the train was announced over the speaker. (Should be 'imminent')

Another less common but still tricky confusion is with 'immanent.' This is a philosophical or theological term meaning 'existing or operating within; inherent.' For instance, 'The beauty of nature is immanent in every leaf.' This word is almost never used in daily conversation, but it can appear in academic writing. If you are talking about time and events, you always want 'imminent.' Another mistake is using 'imminent' to describe things that are far away. If you say 'My retirement is imminent' but you are only 30 years old, you are using the word incorrectly (unless you are being very sarcastic). The word specifically requires a very short time gap between the present and the event.

Imminent vs. Immanent: Imminent = Soon. Immanent = Inherent or internal.

Correct: We prepared for the imminent arrival of our guests by cleaning the house.

Finally, some learners use 'imminent' to describe people directly, such as 'The teacher is imminent.' This is grammatically incorrect because 'imminent' describes events, not people. You should say, 'The teacher's arrival is imminent.' The word needs to modify a noun that represents an occurrence or a state of being that can 'happen.' By keeping this in mind, you will avoid one of the most common structural errors made by non-native speakers. Always ask yourself: 'Is the thing I am describing an event or a person?' If it's a person, 'imminent' is likely the wrong choice.

Incorrect: The imminent doctor will see you now. (Should be 'The doctor's arrival is imminent')

Correct: The imminent storm forced the outdoor concert to be canceled.

When you want to describe something that is about to happen, 'imminent' is just one of several options. Choosing the right one depends on the tone you want to set. 'Impending' is the closest synonym. Like 'imminent,' it suggests that something is about to occur, but 'impending' often has a more negative or ominous connotation. You might talk about 'impending doom' or 'impending disaster.' While 'imminent' can be used for positive things like a 'breakthrough,' 'impending' is almost always used for things that are worrisome or burdensome. If you want to sound slightly less dramatic, you might use 'forthcoming' or 'upcoming.' These words are more neutral and are often used for scheduled events like 'forthcoming elections' or 'upcoming movies.'

Imminent vs. Impending: Imminent is very soon and can be neutral. Impending is soon and usually feels heavy or negative.

While the imminent arrival of the train was announced, the passengers felt an impending sense of dread about the long journey ahead.

Another alternative is 'looming.' This word specifically suggests that something large and perhaps threatening is approaching. It is often used for abstract things like 'a looming crisis' or 'a looming deadline.' 'Looming' gives the impression of something growing larger as it gets closer, like a giant shadow. If you are looking for a more informal way to say 'imminent,' you can use phrases like 'just around the corner' or 'about to happen.' These are great for casual conversations. For example, 'The weekend is just around the corner' sounds much more natural in a coffee shop than 'The weekend is imminent,' which might make your friends think you are a time-traveling Victorian poet.

Imminent vs. Forthcoming: Imminent implies 'any second now.' Forthcoming implies 'in the near future' and is often used for publications or events.

The imminent release of the new phone caused long lines at the store, much like the forthcoming announcement of the next model.

Finally, 'proximate' is a more technical or academic term that can sometimes replace 'imminent' in legal or scientific writing. It refers to something that is closest in space, time, or relationship. However, 'imminent' remains the most versatile and commonly understood word for describing the immediate future. By understanding these subtle differences, you can choose the word that perfectly matches the 'vibe' of your sentence. Whether you want to sound urgent (imminent), worried (impending), or just informative (upcoming), having these alternatives in your vocabulary will make you a much more effective communicator.

The imminent departure of the flight meant that the passengers had to hurry to the gate.

A looming recession made the investors very cautious about their spending.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The original Latin root 'minere' (to jut out) is also the source of the word 'mountain.' So, 'imminent' literally describes something 'mountainous' hanging over you.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈɪm.ɪ.nənt/

US /ˈɪm.ə.nənt/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: IM-mi-nent.

Rhymes With

prominent dominant continent confident evident resident president incident

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'eminent' (EM-i-nent).
Adding an extra syllable like 'im-mi-nee-ent.'
Failing to stress the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 't' at the end too softly.
Confusing the 'i' sound with an 'e' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and literature, but requires distinguishing from similar words.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct spelling and understanding of formal collocations.

Speaking 4/5

Useful for sounding professional, but 'soon' is more common in casual speech.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognized in context, though homophones can be tricky.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

soon future immediate danger arrival

Learn Next

impending looming inevitable forthcoming proximate

Advanced

eschatological proleptic immanent eminent

Grammar to Know

Adjective Placement

The imminent (adjective) storm (noun) is coming.

Predicative Adjectives

The storm is imminent (follows the verb 'is').

Noun Modification

Imminent modifies nouns that represent events, not people.

Homophone Distinction

Do not use 'eminent' when you mean 'imminent'.

Adverbial Modification

The threat is 'seemingly' imminent.

Examples by Level

The bus is imminent.

Le bus arrive d'un instant à l'autre.

Used as a predicative adjective.

The rain is imminent.

La pluie est imminente.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Lunch is imminent.

Le déjeuner est pour bientôt.

Used to show something is about to happen.

The end of the game is imminent.

La fin du match est imminente.

Noun phrase 'The end of the game' is the subject.

Her arrival is imminent.

Son arrivée est imminente.

Possessive 'Her' modifies the noun 'arrival'.

The start is imminent.

Le départ est imminent.

Short, clear sentence.

A storm is imminent.

Une tempête est imminente.

Indefinite article 'A' used with the noun.

The bell is imminent.

La cloche va bientôt sonner.

Refers to a sound that is about to happen.

The teacher said the test is imminent.

Le professeur a dit que le test était imminent.

Reported speech structure.

We left because the storm was imminent.

Nous sommes partis parce que la tempête était imminente.

Causal clause using 'because'.

The train's departure is imminent, so please board.

Le départ du train est imminent, veuillez monter.

Compound sentence with 'so'.

An imminent change in the weather is expected.

Un changement de temps imminent est attendu.

Attributive use before 'change'.

The announcement of the winner is imminent.

L'annonce du gagnant est imminente.

Prepositional phrase 'of the winner' modifies 'announcement'.

They felt that danger was imminent.

Ils sentaient que le danger était imminent.

That-clause as an object.

The imminent arrival of the guests made her hurry.

L'arrivée imminente des invités l'a fait se dépêcher.

Subject is a complex noun phrase.

Is the end of the movie imminent?

La fin du film est-elle imminente ?

Interrogative form.

The news warned of an imminent volcanic eruption.

Les informations ont mis en garde contre une éruption volcanique imminente.

Preposition 'of' followed by a noun phrase.

With the deadline imminent, we worked through the night.

L'échéance étant imminente, nous avons travaillé toute la nuit.

Absolute construction with 'With'.

The imminent threat of rain canceled the picnic.

La menace imminente de pluie a annulé le pique-nique.

Collocation: 'imminent threat'.

He believed that a breakthrough was imminent in his research.

Il croyait qu'une percée était imminente dans ses recherches.

Noun 'breakthrough' as subject.

The imminent closure of the factory worried the workers.

La fermeture imminente de l'usine inquiétait les ouvriers.

Attributive use.

The pilot announced that landing was imminent.

Le pilote a annoncé que l'atterrissage était imminent.

Gerund 'landing' as subject.

There was a sense of imminent excitement in the air.

Il y avait un sentiment d'excitation imminente dans l'air.

Abstract noun 'excitement' modified by 'imminent'.

The imminent arrival of spring is visible in the flowers.

L'arrivée imminente du printemps est visible dans les fleurs.

Metaphorical use for a season.

The government issued a warning about the imminent hurricane.

Le gouvernement a émis un avertissement concernant l'ouragan imminent.

Official context usage.

Economists are concerned about an imminent recession.

Les économistes s'inquiètent d'une récession imminente.

Economic context.

The imminent danger forced the hikers to turn back.

Le danger imminent a forcé les randonneurs à faire demi-tour.

Collocation: 'imminent danger'.

A decision on the new project is imminent.

Une décision sur le nouveau projet est imminente.

Business context.

The imminent release of the software has been delayed.

La sortie imminente du logiciel a été retardée.

Passive voice 'has been delayed'.

She felt an imminent need to change her career path.

Elle a ressenti un besoin imminent de changer de carrière.

Modifying 'need'.

The imminent collapse of the building was a major concern.

L'effondrement imminent du bâtiment était une préoccupation majeure.

Noun 'collapse' modified by 'imminent'.

They were warned that a strike was imminent.

Ils ont été avertis qu'une grève était imminente.

Industrial relations context.

The diplomat suggested that a peaceful resolution was imminent.

Le diplomate a suggéré qu'une résolution pacifique était imminente.

Formal diplomatic language.

The imminent threat of cyberattacks has led to increased security.

La menace imminente de cyberattaques a conduit à un renforcement de la sécurité.

Complex subject phrase.

Critics argue that the imminent demise of print media is exaggerated.

Les critiques soutiennent que la fin imminente de la presse écrite est exagérée.

Academic/Critical tone.

The imminent arrival of the monsoon is a relief to the farmers.

L'arrivée imminente de la mousson est un soulagement pour les agriculteurs.

Environmental context.

There is an imminent risk of structural failure in the bridge.

Il existe un risque imminent de défaillance structurelle du pont.

Engineering context.

The imminent publication of his memoirs sparked controversy.

La publication imminente de ses mémoires a suscité la controverse.

Literary context.

He spoke of the imminent transformation of the energy sector.

Il a parlé de la transformation imminente du secteur de l'énergie.

Abstract noun 'transformation'.

The imminent departure of the CEO led to a drop in stock prices.

Le départ imminent du PDG a entraîné une baisse du cours des actions.

Corporate context.

The philosopher pondered the imminent nature of mortality.

Le philosophe a médité sur la nature imminente de la mortalité.

Philosophical/Abstract use.

With the threat of war appearing ever more imminent, the council met.

La menace de guerre paraissant de plus en plus imminente, le conseil s'est réuni.

Adverbial phrase 'ever more' modifying 'imminent'.

The imminent obsolescence of the technology was clear to the engineers.

L'obsolescence imminente de la technologie était claire pour les ingénieurs.

Technical/High-level vocabulary.

The imminent arrival of the deadline loomed over the team like a shadow.

L'arrivée imminente de l'échéance planait sur l'équipe comme une ombre.

Simile used with 'imminent'.

Scholars debated whether the imminent collapse of the empire was avoidable.

Les érudits ont débattu pour savoir si l'effondrement imminent de l'empire était évitable.

Historical/Academic context.

The imminent shift in global power dynamics is a subject of much study.

Le changement imminent dans la dynamique du pouvoir mondial est un sujet de nombreuses études.

Geopolitical context.

The imminent threat to biodiversity requires immediate global action.

La menace imminente qui pèse sur la biodiversité nécessite une action mondiale immédiate.

Environmental/Scientific context.

The imminent arrival of the new era was heralded by small but significant changes.

L'arrivée imminente de la nouvelle ère a été annoncée par des changements mineurs mais significatifs.

Rhetorical/Literary tone.

Common Collocations

imminent danger

imminent threat

imminent arrival

imminent departure

imminent collapse

imminent deadline

imminent announcement

imminent disaster

imminent change

imminent release

Common Phrases

In imminent danger

— To be in a situation where something bad is about to happen to you.

The hikers were in imminent danger of being caught in the blizzard.

An imminent threat to

— A warning that something specific is about to be harmed.

Pollution is an imminent threat to the local ecosystem.

Seemingly imminent

— Appearing as if it is about to happen, though there might be doubt.

A resolution to the conflict appeared seemingly imminent last week.

All but imminent

— Almost certain to happen very soon.

With the votes counted, his victory was all but imminent.

Warn of imminent

— To give a notice about something approaching.

The sirens warn of imminent severe weather.

Face imminent

— To be confronted with something that is about to happen.

The small business faces imminent closure due to rising costs.

Sense imminent

— To feel that something is about to occur.

The animals seemed to sense imminent danger before the earthquake.

Prepare for imminent

— To get ready for something that is coming soon.

The city is preparing for the imminent arrival of the storm.

Signal imminent

— To show a sign that something is about to happen.

The flashing lights signal imminent danger on the tracks.

Prevent imminent

— To stop something that is about to happen.

Emergency measures were taken to prevent imminent flooding.

Often Confused With

imminent vs eminent

Eminent means famous or respected. Example: 'An eminent scientist.'

imminent vs immanent

Immanent means inherent or existing within. Example: 'God is immanent in nature.'

imminent vs immediate

Immediate means happening right now without delay, while imminent means about to happen very soon.

Idioms & Expressions

"Around the corner"

— Something that is very close in time or distance.

The holidays are just around the corner.

informal

"On the horizon"

— Something that is likely to happen in the near future.

Big changes are on the horizon for the company.

neutral

"At death's door"

— Very close to dying (a specific type of imminence).

The old cat seemed to be at death's door, but then it recovered.

informal

"In the offing"

— Likely to happen soon.

A new job offer might be in the offing.

neutral

"The writing is on the wall"

— Signs show that something (usually bad) is imminent.

The writing was on the wall for the failing business.

informal

"A matter of time"

— Something is certain to happen soon.

It's only a matter of time before they find out the truth.

neutral

"In the pipeline"

— Something is being planned and will happen soon.

New features for the app are in the pipeline.

business

"Any day now"

— Something is expected to happen very soon.

The baby is due any day now.

informal

"Breathing down someone's neck"

— A deadline or person is very close and causing pressure.

With the deadline breathing down my neck, I had to finish the report.

informal

"The clock is ticking"

— Time is running out and an event is imminent.

The clock is ticking on the climate crisis.

neutral

Easily Confused

imminent vs eminent

They sound almost identical.

Imminent refers to time (soon), while eminent refers to status (famous).

The eminent professor said an imminent discovery was coming.

imminent vs immanent

They are homophones in some accents.

Immanent is a philosophical term for 'internal,' while imminent is a temporal term for 'soon.'

The immanent beauty of the forest was threatened by an imminent fire.

imminent vs impending

They have very similar meanings.

Impending is usually negative or heavy, while imminent can be neutral.

The imminent arrival of spring was better than the impending winter.

imminent vs forthcoming

Both mean coming soon.

Forthcoming is often for scheduled items; imminent is for things about to happen 'any second.'

The forthcoming movie has an imminent release date.

imminent vs upcoming

Both refer to the future.

Upcoming is more casual and neutral; imminent is more formal and urgent.

The upcoming party is fun, but the imminent exam is stressful.

Sentence Patterns

The [noun] is imminent.

The bus is imminent.

We are waiting for the imminent [noun].

We are waiting for the imminent arrival.

Because the [noun] was imminent, we [verb].

Because the storm was imminent, we stayed home.

There is an imminent threat of [noun].

There is an imminent threat of rain.

With the [noun] appearing imminent, [clause].

With a breakthrough appearing imminent, the team worked harder.

The very imminence of the [noun] [verb].

The very imminence of the deadline forced a decision.

A [noun] is all but imminent.

A merger is all but imminent.

The [noun]'s [noun] is imminent.

The train's departure is imminent.

Word Family

Nouns

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written news and formal speech; less common in casual daily chat.

Common Mistakes

Using 'eminent' instead of 'imminent'. → The imminent storm is coming.
Eminent means famous; imminent means about to happen.
Spelling it as 'iminent'. → The imminent arrival.
The word requires two 'm's.
Using it for people: 'The teacher is imminent'. → The teacher's arrival is imminent.
Imminent describes events, not people.
Using it for distant events: 'My graduation in 3 years is imminent'. → My graduation is approaching.
Imminent is only for the very near future.
Confusing it with 'immanent'. → The imminent danger.
Immanent is a philosophical term meaning 'inherent.'

Tips

Use with Events

Always pair 'imminent' with a noun that describes an event, such as 'arrival,' 'threat,' or 'change.' This ensures your grammar is correct.

The Double M

Think of 'imminent' as having 'Many Moments' before it happens—this helps you remember the two 'm's.

Formal Tone

Use 'imminent' in your professional emails to sound more precise and authoritative than using 'soon.'

Context Clues

If you hear the word and you're not sure if it's 'eminent' or 'imminent,' look at the situation. Is it about a person's fame or the timing of an event?

Create Urgency

Use 'imminent' in the first sentence of a paragraph to immediately grab the reader's attention and create a sense of importance.

Clear Stress

Make sure to emphasize the 'IM' at the beginning. This helps distinguish it from other similar-sounding words.

News Vocabulary

When reading the news, highlight 'imminent' and look at the noun it modifies. This will help you learn common collocations.

Visual Aid

Visualize a clock with only one second left. That one second is the 'imminent' moment.

Predicative Check

Remember that 'The danger is imminent' is just as correct as 'The imminent danger.' Both are useful patterns.

Safety First

In English-speaking countries, 'imminent' on a sign or broadcast is a serious warning. Never ignore it!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'IMmediate' and 'MINute.' Something imminent is happening in an IMmediate MINute.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant boulder hanging by a thin thread directly over a road. The fall of the boulder is imminent.

Word Web

danger threat arrival departure soon immediate storm deadline

Challenge

Try to use 'imminent' in three different sentences today: one about weather, one about a deadline, and one about an arrival.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'imminere,' which means 'to overhang' or 'to project over.' It entered Middle English through Old French in the 15th century.

Original meaning: To hang over or be suspended above, which evolved into the sense of an event hanging over someone in time.

Indo-European (Latin branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'imminent' regarding health or death, as it can be very distressing to the listener.

Commonly used in news headlines and weather alerts to convey urgency.

The movie 'Imminent Danger' (often a title for thrillers). Winston Churchill's speeches regarding the imminent threat of war. Scientific reports on the imminent effects of climate change.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecasting

Imminent storm
Imminent landfall
Imminent flooding
Imminent blizzard

Business and Finance

Imminent merger
Imminent bankruptcy
Imminent deadline
Imminent launch

Legal and Safety

Imminent danger
Imminent threat
Imminent harm
Imminent risk

Travel and Transport

Imminent departure
Imminent arrival
Imminent boarding
Imminent landing

Politics and News

Imminent announcement
Imminent election
Imminent resignation
Imminent breakthrough

Conversation Starters

"Do you think a major change in technology is imminent in the next year?"

"How do you usually prepare when you know a deadline is imminent?"

"Have you ever felt a sense of imminent danger while traveling?"

"What is an imminent event you are looking forward to right now?"

"In your opinion, is a solution to the climate crisis imminent?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you felt that a big life change was imminent. How did you feel?

Write about a situation where you had to act quickly because a deadline was imminent.

Reflect on the phrase 'imminent danger.' What does it mean to you in a modern context?

If you knew a world-changing event was imminent, how would you spend your day?

Discuss the difference between something being 'soon' and something being 'imminent' in your own words.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it can. While it is often used for threats or disasters, you can also say 'a breakthrough is imminent' or 'the imminent arrival of a new baby.' It simply means something is about to happen.

'Soon' is general and can mean minutes, days, or weeks. 'Imminent' is much more specific and usually means it will happen almost immediately, often within minutes or hours.

Yes, it is considered a formal or semi-formal word. In casual conversation, people are more likely to say 'about to happen' or 'coming up soon.'

Remember it has two 'm's and ends in '-ent.' A common mistake is to spell it with one 'm' or with an '-ant' ending.

No, you should not. 'Imminent' describes events or occurrences. Instead, say 'The person's arrival is imminent.'

In legal terms, 'imminent danger' refers to a threat that is so immediate that a person is justified in taking defensive action without waiting.

They are very close, but 'impending' often has a more negative or ominous tone, whereas 'imminent' can be more neutral.

The adverb form is 'imminently.' For example: 'The storm is imminently expected to hit the coast.'

The noun form is 'imminence.' For example: 'The imminence of the exam made the students nervous.'

Yes, scientists use it to describe natural events like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or the extinction of a species that is about to happen.