Interim Meaning & How to Use It

Q: Is interim a formal word?

Yes. Interim is a standard English word, often used in formal or professional writing. It is not slang, although it can sound more formal than “temporary” or “for now.”

What interim means

Interim means the time between two events or stages, or something temporary that exists during that interval. As an adjective, it commonly describes an arrangement, position, measure, or report that is in effect before a final or permanent one. An interim appointment, for example, fills a role while an organization searches for a permanent appointment.

The word can also be a noun meaning the intervening period itself. In the sentence “The team will meet again in the interim,” it means “during the time before the next meeting.” The noun use is less common than the adjective use, but it is standard English.

In plain terms, interim signals a bridge between one situation and another. It does not necessarily mean that the temporary arrangement will be brief, nor does it by itself say exactly when the next stage will happen.

Origin and word form

Interim comes from Latin interim, meaning “meanwhile” or “in the meantime.” English adopted the word through learned use, and it has retained the idea of something happening in the interval between events. Its history helps explain why the word can refer both to a period and to a temporary condition that lasts through that period.

The most familiar form is the adjective: “an interim director,” “interim figures,” or “an interim solution.” In “in the interim,” it functions as a noun within a set phrase. It is not an acronym, and it is not slang or an informal substitute for a particular job title. It is a standard word, especially common in business, government, education, and other formal settings.

How to use interim in a sentence

Use interim when you want to make clear that a role, arrangement, or piece of information is not necessarily final. The surrounding sentence should identify what makes it temporary or what later event it leads up to.

“Maya was named interim principal while the school completed its search.” The role is temporary while a permanent appointment is pending.
“The committee issued an interim report before finishing its investigation.” The report is an earlier account, not necessarily the final one.
“The revised schedule will serve as an interim plan.” The plan applies for now and may be replaced.
“We will review the results in the interim.” Here, the phrase means during the waiting period before a later review.

With a job title, interim usually comes before the title: “interim manager,” not “manager interim.” When referring to the period itself, the established expression is in the interim. It generally does not need an article: “In the interim, staff will report to the deputy director.”

Choose the word only when an interval or temporary status is relevant. If you simply mean “current,” “recent,” or “next,” one of those words may be clearer. For instance, “the interim results” suggests results issued before a final set; “the latest results” only says they are the most recent available.

Interim, temporary, and acting

Interim and temporary overlap, but they emphasize different things. Temporary broadly means not permanent or intended to last indefinitely. Interim more specifically suggests a position or arrangement that occupies a gap while another stage, decision, or final arrangement is pending.

“A temporary fence” may be taken down later, but the sentence does not say that anyone is waiting for a permanent fence. “An interim director,” on the other hand, commonly implies that the organization expects to appoint or return to a permanent director, though the word alone does not guarantee a deadline or outcome.

Acting is often used for someone performing the duties of a role without holding the permanent appointment. In some workplaces, “acting director” and “interim director” are used similarly; in others, internal rules distinguish them. There is no universal rule that makes one title always more senior, more official, or shorter in duration. Follow the organization’s own title and explain the arrangement if the distinction matters.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Assuming a fixed duration: Interim does not mean a set number of days or months. It marks a temporary or in-between status, not a timetable.
Treating it as slang: It is a standard English word, though it can sound formal in casual conversation. “For now” may be more natural in an informal message.
Confusing it with final: An interim report or result is usually not the final one. It may still be useful and accurate as a preliminary account.
Using “in interim” without the article: The usual phrase is “in the interim.” For example, “In the interim, use the existing process.”
Assuming a permanent outcome is certain: The word often points toward a later decision, but it does not promise that a permanent replacement or final plan will follow on a particular schedule.

In technical or organizational contexts, an interim measure can remain in place longer than expected. That does not make the word incorrect; the label describes its intended or transitional role, not necessarily how quickly the transition is completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does interim mean in simple terms?

It means temporary or happening in the time between two events. An interim arrangement is in place for now, often until a final decision or permanent arrangement is made.

Is interim a formal word?

Yes. Interim is a standard English word, often used in formal or professional writing. It is not slang, although it can sound more formal than “temporary” or “for now.”

What does “in the interim” mean?

“In the interim” means during the period between now and a later event, or between two stages. “In the interim, the assistant will handle inquiries” means the assistant will do so until the next arrangement takes effect.

Does interim mean temporary?

Often, yes, but it has a more specific in-between sense. It commonly describes something serving until a later or more permanent stage, while temporary can simply mean not permanent.

Is an interim position permanent?

Usually the title indicates that the appointment is not the organization’s permanent one. However, interim alone does not state how long it will last or what the eventual decision will be.

Further reading: Merriam-Webster. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.