perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring continuously.
Examples
In a meeting
“We can't sustain this perpetual cycle of firefighting — we need a long-term fix.”
Over coffee
“My neighbor's dog is in a perpetual state of excitement.”
Why this word
constant
Perpetual emphasizes never-ending duration, while constant can mean frequent or unchanging without implying endlessness
continuous
Perpetual implies forever or indefinitely, while continuous means without interruption but not necessarily eternal
permanent
Perpetual suggests ongoing action or recurrence, while permanent means lasting but can be static
Usage tip
Can be literal (a perpetual license) or slightly exaggerated (perpetual complaining). Context makes the tone clear.
Etymology
Latin perpetuus — per (through, completely) + petere (to seek, go toward)
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
subsequent
Coming after something in time or order.
ample
More than enough; plentiful and sufficient.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
versatile
Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
inadvertent
Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning; unintentional.
tenure
The period of time someone holds a position or office