# emeritus

/ɪˈmɛɹətəs/ (US) · /ɪmˈɛɹɪtəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/emeritus
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

used to describe a retired professional, like a professor, who keeps their title as an honor. It shows they are still respected for their long career.

For teachers: retaining a title as an honor after retirement from a professional position, most commonly in academic contexts. Typically follows the noun it modifies.

## Examples

- She is now a professor emeritus at the university.
- After forty years of teaching, the department granted him emeritus status so he could continue his research.
- The emeritus professor still maintains an office on campus, where he provides occasional mentorship to doctoral candidates while finishing his final volume on medieval history.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the emeritus professor" but "the professor emeritus" — While sometimes used before the noun, it traditionally follows the title it modifies.

## Usage notes

- Postpositive adjective — almost always placed immediately after the noun it modifies (e.g., 'Professor Emeritus').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.