posterity

[ po-ster-i-tee ]

noun

1. succeeding or future generations collectively:

   Judgment of this age must be left to posterity.

2. all descendants of one person:

   His fortune was gradually dissipated by his posterity.

posterity

/ pɒˈstɛrɪtɪ /

noun

1. future or succeeding generations
2. all of one's descendants

Word History and Origins

Origin of posterity¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English posterite, from Old French postérité, from Latin posteritāt-, stem of posteritās, noun derivative of posterus “coming after”; posterior, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of posterity¹

C14: from French postérité, from Latin posteritās future generations, from posterus coming after, from post after

Example Sentences

So for you, a star would be for posterity.

From Los Angeles Times

"It would be admirable if the president had allowed posterity to recognise and appreciate his work," an X user posted.

From BBC

She told BBC Scotland News it was "important" to preserve the cottage industry for posterity.

From BBC

I hope that his story will be recorded, if for no other reason than posterity.

From Salon

The mind’s eye tries in vain to store away images and sensations for posterity.

From New York Times