lasting
Americanadjective
noun
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a strong, durable, closely woven fabric for shoe uppers, coverings on buttons, etc.
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Archaic. the quality of surviving or continuing and maintaining strength, effectiveness, etc.
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of lasting
First recorded in 1125–75 lasting for def. 1; 1775–85 lasting for def. 2; Middle English (adjective); last 2 + -ing 2
Explanation
If something is lasting, it sticks around for a very long time. If you and your best pal have known each other since you were three, that's a lasting friendship. Remember that time when you wore a purple plaid shirt, a green tutu, and a top hat to school? You certainly made a lasting impression! And while using donation money to throw a fabulous party might be fun in the short term, spending the cash on new books for the school library will have more of a lasting impact. This adjective is great for things that last or continue for a long, long time.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The paranoid body fought itself while seeking out danger, leaving lasting scars in the process.
From Salon ● Sep. 11, 2026
While AI-centric majors are in vogue, classic programs can offer lasting value and be better fits for your interests and abilities.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
He sees the council not merely as a vehicle for larger checks, but also a way to force lasting cooperation between the Grand Slams and players and improve overall welfare.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
The current experiment did not involve objects massive enough, or superpositions lasting long enough, to test that possibility.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 8, 2026
It was a moment of serenity, lasting only as long as my sigh of relief.
From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
