lasting
Americanadjective
noun
-
a strong, durable, closely woven fabric for shoe uppers, coverings on buttons, etc.
-
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 question is whether the attacks will do lasting damage to the Gulf’s image as the world’s pre-eminent transport hub.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026
The family received only one telephone call from him, lasting less than one minute, on the day after his arrest, Justice Abroad said.
From Barron's ● Nov. 6, 2026
"What we find is that there is, in fact, a lasting benefit from growing up in an owned property," he says.
From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026
Bass says she is focused on the Olympics as a source of lasting benefits for the city.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026
The toothpick incident would have a lasting effect on the school as well.
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
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