English Reference
Noun

perpetuity

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˌpɝpɪtˈjuɪti/ UK /pəpɪtjˈuːɪti/ per·pe·tu·ity UK spelling perpetuities Finance Law

n.a state that lasts forever or for a very long time. In business, it often refers to a type of investment that pays you money every year for the rest of your life.

n.a state of being or a condition that continues indefinitely. In a financial context, it refers to a type of investment or annuity that provides a fixed income for the lifetime of the recipient.


SIMPLE

The company bought a bond that pays interest in perpetuity.

CONTEXTUAL

The charity received a donation that will provide a steady stream of income in perpetuity to support its local projects.

COMPLEX

While many investors prefer the security of a fixed-term bond, others seek the stability of an annuity that offers a guaranteed income in perpetuity, regardless of market fluctuations.

It was common for wealthy citizens or political leaders to ensconce their likeness in the presence of a deity so they could effectively worship in perpetuity, Ebbinghaus explained.

Phys.org· 24 Aug 2026

But I see a big problem with having foundations outlive the donors that endow them with funds in perpetuity.

The Conversation· 16 Jul 2026

From Middle English perpetuitee, perpetuite, perpetuyte, from Old French perpetüité, ultimately from Latin perpetuitās.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin perpetuitās
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated