perpetuity

American  

[pur-pi-too-i-tee, -tyoo-] / ˌpɜr pɪˈtu ɪ ti, -ˈtju- /

noun

• perpetuities
  plural

1. the state or character of being perpetual (often preceded byin ).

   to desire happiness in perpetuity.

2. endless or indefinitely long duration or existence; eternity.

3. something that is perpetual.

4. an annuity paid for life.

5. Law. an interest under which property is less than completely alienable for longer than the law allows.

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perpetuity British  

/ ˌpɜːpɪˈtjuːɪtɪ /

noun

1. eternity

2. the state or quality of being perpetual

3. property law a limitation preventing the absolute disposal of an estate for longer than the period allowed by law

4. an annuity with no maturity date and payable indefinitely

5. for ever

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonperpetuity
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• perpetuities
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of perpetuity

1375–1425; late Middle English perpetuite < Latin perpetuitās. See perpetual, -ity

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Explanation

The word perpetuity means "the property of lasting forever." The perpetuity of an eternal flame means that it will burn endlessly, while an ordinary candle flame will eventually extinguish. Anything in perpetuity keeps on going and going and going. If you crash the family car and your parents ban you from driving it in perpetuity, you’re never driving that car again. First appearing in the 15th century, the noun perpetuity derives from the Latin word perpetuus meaning "continuing throughout."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

perpetuity perpetuities

Jerry included instructions to vote Jeanie as the controlling owner in perpetuity, a provision that has led to nearly constant conflict in the years since.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026

While the company will “struggle to grow,” the current stock price implies that its business shrinks 5% each year in perpetuity, he added.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

“We can’t just sit out in perpetuity, and I won’t,” he said in 2024.

From Slate ● Jul. 1, 2026

Bob’s move signals he’ll do anything to silence her, now and in perpetuity.

From Salon ● May 29, 2026

And if it can’t end, then it should at least continue into perpetuity like the adventures of Staff Sergeant Max Mayhem’s platoon.

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

That said, the law tends to frown on perpetuities as well as on legislative acts that bind future legislatures, except through constitutions.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2022

Actions could include the passage of a federal "rule against perpetuities," banning certain trust arrangements, and taxing income and wealth in trusts.

From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2021

“No more questions. I didn’t understand perpetuities in law school, and I don’t want to understand it now,” he said, laughing.

From The Guardian ● Nov. 14, 2019

That’s a hell of a lot better than you see at most foundations, which tend to be set up as perpetuities that give out the bare minimum of 5 percent of their assets each year.

From Slate ● May 11, 2018

The rule against perpetuities, 4th ed. edited by Roland Gray. © 22May42; A164345.

From U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1969 July - December by Library of Congress. Copyright Office

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