interim

The word “interim” means temporary or provisional, filling a gap until something permanent is arranged. In plain terms, something temporary that bridges the gap until a permanent solution is in place.

“Interim” is pronounced IHN-tuh-rihm (/ˈɪntəɹɪm/ in IPA).

Here is “interim” used in a sentence: “She was named interim CEO while the board searched for a permanent replacement.”

Depending on how it is used, “interim” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “interim” comes from Latin. Borrowed directly from Latin interim, meaning "meanwhile.".

“Interim” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Interim” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: temporary or provisional, filling a gap until something permanent is arranged.

Both describe things that are not permanent, but interim specifically means filling a gap until something permanent is arranged, so it points forward to a planned replacement. Temporary simply means lasting for a limited time, with no implication that anything permanent will follow. An interim report is issued while the final one is prepared; a temporary road closure just ends.

An interim manager or interim CEO is someone appointed to hold a position on a provisional basis until a permanent appointment is made. The role is understood from the outset to be a stopgap, often used while an organization searches for a long-term hire or works through a transition.

Both signal a temporary occupant of a role, but the emphasis differs. Acting usually implies covering the duties of a post while the regular holder is absent or until the situation is resolved, whereas interim implies bridging the gap before a permanent successor is appointed. In practice many organizations use the two labels interchangeably.