What does lasting mean?
Lasting means that something continues to exist, operate, or remain influential for a long time. It is especially associated with effects, impressions, changes, and legacies that outlast the circumstances in which they began. The adjective is common in both formal and everyday English and often suggests lasting importance, not merely a long duration: a lasting impression differs from a temporary impression because it continues to shape later thoughts or actions. Lasting can also function as the present participle of the verb last, meaning to continue or endure. Its connotations are generally positive when describing achievements, relationships, or contributions, while words such as lasting damage or lasting consequences emphasize the enduring consequences of an event. Overall, lasting conveys durability, significance, and an ability to outlast a particular moment or period.
Continuing to exist, operate, or remain influential for a long time.
"Her work made a lasting contribution to the study of medieval history."
Often implies that something will outlast its original occasion or period.
The present participle of last, meaning to continue in existence, operation, or effect.
"The negotiations were lasting well into the morning."
This is a regular grammatical form of the verb last rather than a separate lexicalized verb.
The word reaches back to Old English lǣstan, meaning “to continue or endure.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lasting come from?
Lasting was formed in Middle English from last, meaning “to continue, remain, or endure,” together with the suffix -ing. The verb last traces to Old English lǣstan and belongs to a Germanic family that includes German leisten and Dutch lijsten, both historically associated with continuing or enduring. The -ing form gradually developed both a verbal use and an adjectival use for something that continues over time.
Related word forms
How lasting is actually used
The adjective is common in neutral and formal English and suggests durability rather than literally endless existence. The verb form is a standard present participle used in both British and American English.