Skip to main content

Impermanent loss

defi
markets

The underperformance an AMM liquidity provider can face versus simply holding the deposited assets when prices diverge.

Also known as
IL
divergence loss
1
concept

Impermanent loss compares the value of a liquidity provider's pool position to the value of simply holding the original assets. In constant-product AMMs, arbitrage rebalances the pool as prices move, changing the LP's asset mix.

2
risks

Trading fees can offset impermanent loss, but returns depend on volume, volatility, fee tier, incentives, and smart contract risk. Concentrated liquidity can increase fee income while also increasing exposure to price range management.

Conceptual links

Related terms

4 linked

Explore connected entries beyond the alphabetical index.

All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.