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

I get the desire to preserve an ambitious live show for posterity.

From Los Angeles Times

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