Definition
Imminent describes what is almost upon you — from the Latin imminere, 'to overhang', the image of something looming directly overhead. An imminent storm, an imminent deadline, imminent danger: the word is about nearness in time, and it leans ominous, reserved mostly for threats and arrivals we brace for. What is imminent feels not just inevitable but close — the difference between knowing a thing will come and feeling it about to.
Examples
- Dark clouds and a sudden hush warned that the storm was imminent.
- With the deadline imminent, the team worked through the night.
- Investors who anticipate an imminent downturn are already moving their money.
Collocations
imminent danger·an imminent threat·imminent collapse·appear imminent
Synonyms
impending·looming·approaching·forthcoming·near
Antonyms
distant·remote·far-off
Word family
imminence (noun)·imminently (adverb)
In TOEFL & IELTS
Common in TOEFL/IELTS passages on risk, weather, and history — 'imminent threat/danger/collapse'. Don't confuse the look-alikes: 'imminent' (about to happen), 'eminent' (distinguished), and 'immanent' (inherent). In Writing, 'an imminent crisis' adds urgency. It pairs with things we await with concern, not with happy events.