# posterity

/pɑˈstɛɹəti/ (US) · /pɒstˈɛɹɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/posterity
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the people who will live in the future. You use this word when you want to talk about how your actions or creations will be remembered by those who come after you.

For teachers: the future generation of people; the descendants of those who are currently living. Often used in the context of historical legacy or long-term impact.

## Examples

- The artist hoped his paintings would be remembered by posterity.
- The historian argued that the treaty would be judged by posterity as a necessary step toward peace.
- While the immediate consequences of the policy were controversial, its long-term benefits were designed to ensure that future generations, or posterity, would inherit a more stable and prosperous world.

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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.