Perpetual

/pərˈpɛtʃuəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Continuing forever or for an indefinitely long time.

The perpetual motion machine has been a topic of fascination for inventors for centuries.

Unchanging; everlasting.

They were trapped in a perpetual cycle of debt and poverty.

Occurring repeatedly; recurring.

Her perpetual optimism often inspired those around her.

For all time; eternal.

The couple made a vow of perpetual love during their wedding ceremony.

From Middle English 'perpetuel', from Old French 'perpetuel', from Latin 'perpetuus' meaning 'continuous, uninterrupted'.

perpetual motion

A state of movement that continues indefinitely without any energy source.

perpetual calendar

A calendar that can be used for many years, often indefinitely.

perpetual student

Someone who is always enrolled in a course or educational program without completing it.

perpetuate

To make something continue indefinitely.

perpetuity

The state of lasting forever.

Forever stuck in something.

I'm in a perpetual fight with my laundry.

Constantly annoying or interrupting.

My neighbor is perpetually blasting music; I can't study.