interim

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/ˈɪn.tər.ɪm/
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A time between stages, and more often a temporary person, measure, report, or authority used until something permanent is ready.
Practice using this word in conversation

Examples

  • We introduced an interim measure while the system was repaired.
  • Regulators reviewed the interim filing after the fiscal year changed.
  • The board appointed an interim CEO after the resignation.
  • The interim administration oversaw the transition to democracy.
  • The company issued an interim statement for the first half of the year.

Similar words

pre-annual
acting
transitional
temporary
provisional
transitional
hiatus
caretaker
interlude
break

Meanings

Intervening period

noun
everyday
neutral
A period of time between two events, stages, or more permanent arrangements

Usage

Use interim most often in phrases like in the interim or during the interim for the time between two stages.

Examples

  • The interim between the two semesters lasted only two weeks.
  • During the interim, the museum was closed for renovations.
  • In the interim, staff worked from a temporary office.
  • The interim was marked by uncertainty and speculation.
  • Students used the interim to catch up on coursework.
  • The company faced challenges during the interim before the merger.

Common mistakes

The article is dropped in the phrase in the interim, or the noun is used where an adjective is needed.
IncorrectCorrect
We will meet in interim. We will meet in the interim.
During interim, the office stayed closed. During the interim, the office stayed closed.
The company needs an interim. The company needs an interim plan.
Interim lasted two weeks. The interim lasted two weeks.

Similar words

interval
gap
pause
break
hiatus
interlude
meantime

Temporary until permanent

adjective
business
neutral
Serving for a limited time until a permanent person, plan, or solution is chosen

Usage

Use interim before a noun such as CEO, manager, measure, policy, or solution.

Examples

  • The board appointed an interim CEO after the resignation.
  • We introduced an interim measure while the system was repaired.
  • The interim schedule will be used until the new timetable is ready.
  • She took on an interim role during the search for a permanent hire.
  • The interim solution worked well enough for the short term.
  • An interim agreement was reached pending final negotiations.

Common mistakes

The article an is replaced with a, or interim is left without the noun it modifies.
IncorrectCorrect
She is a interim manager. She is an interim manager.
We need an interim. We need an interim solution.
He works as interim. He works in an interim role.
The policy is interim temporary. The policy is interim.

Similar words

temporary
provisional
short-term
transitional
stopgap
acting
caretaker

Partial financial reporting

adjective
finance
technical
Issued for part of a financial year before the full annual report is prepared

Usage

Use interim with report, statement, results, earnings, or financials for figures covering less than a full year.

Examples

  • The interim report showed a 5 percent increase in revenue.
  • Investors examined the interim earnings before the annual meeting.
  • The company issued an interim statement for the first half of the year.
  • Analysts compared the interim figures with the previous quarter.
  • The interim financials were released before the full audit.
  • Regulators reviewed the interim filing after the fiscal year changed.

Common mistakes

Interim financial reports are treated as final annual reports, or interim is used without the reporting noun.
IncorrectCorrect
The company released an interim. The company released an interim report.
The interim was the annual report. The interim report came before the annual report.
Interim showed profit. The interim statement showed profit.
We need the interim numbers for the whole year. We need the annual numbers for the whole year.

Similar words

partial-year
quarterly
midyear
pre-annual
unaudited
periodic

Usage

Use interim for the time between events or for temporary arrangements that bridge a gap before a permanent decision.

Common mistakes

In interim drops the article from in the interim, and standalone interim is often used where a noun such as plan, role, or report is needed.

Etymology

From Latin interim, meaning "in the meantime" or "meanwhile", built on inter, "between".

FAQ

What does interim mean?

Interim means the time between two stages, or something temporary used until a permanent arrangement is ready.

Is interim a noun or an adjective?

Interim is both a noun and an adjective, as in the interim and an interim manager.

What does in the interim mean?

In the interim means during the time between one event and the next.

What is an interim role?

An interim role is a temporary position held until a permanent person is chosen.

What is an interim report?

An interim report covers part of a financial year before the full annual report is issued.

What is an interim order?

An interim order is a temporary court order that applies while a case or issue is still pending.

Is interim the same as temporary?

Interim is a kind of temporary, with extra focus on bridging the gap before something permanent.

Where does interim come from?

Interim comes from Latin interim, meaning "in the meantime" or "meanwhile".

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