evanescence

noun

ev·​a·​nes·​cence ˌe-və-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s 

1

: the process or fact of evanescing

2

: evanescent quality

Synonyms

• ephemerality
• fleetingness
• fugitiveness
• impermanence
• impermanency
• momentariness
• temporariness
• transience
• transiency
• transitoriness

Examples of evanescence in a Sentence

the evanescence of a rainbow detracts not a whit from its beauty

Recent Examples on the Web

Share [Findings] Researchers proposed replacing the paradigm of extinction with that of evanescence. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

How to make meaning of one’s life, of life itself and the evanescence of memories, in the midst of pain and suffering? —Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2024

In many ways, nature serves as the ultimate metaphor for fashion—its rebirth, renewal, and cyclicity, as well as its transience, ephemerality, and evanescence. —Irene Kim, Vogue, 28 June 2024

Or will the evanescence of your days be marked by the brief spasm of cherry blossoms in bloom? —Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

evanescence

noun

ev·​a·​nes·​cence ˌev-ə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s 

: evanescent quality