Meaning & use
lasting legacy
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phraseformal
A positive or important effect or result that continues long after the person or event that caused it has gone.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase. Often followed by 'of' to show who or what caused it: the lasting legacy of the war.
Patterns
- a lasting legacy of something
- leave a lasting legacy
- create a lasting legacy
The scientist's lasting legacy is the many students she trained.
The Olympic Games left a lasting legacy of new sports facilities in the city.
His charitable work created a lasting legacy that still helps people today.
Common combinations
- leave a lasting legacy
- The mayor hoped to leave a lasting legacy of better public transport.
- a lasting legacy of the war
- The divided families are a lasting legacy of the war.
- create a lasting legacy
- The foundation was set up to create a lasting legacy in education.
- a lasting legacy for future generations
- Protecting the forest is a lasting legacy for future generations.
Synonyms and how they differ
- enduring legacy
- Very similar, but 'enduring' stresses the ability to survive difficulties; 'lasting' simply means continuing for a long time.
- permanent legacy
- Suggests something that will never change or disappear, which is stronger than 'lasting'.
Word family
Commonly confused: lasting legacy or lasting legend?
lasting legacy vs lasting legend
A 'legend' is a famous story or person; a 'legacy' is what is left behind. They sound similar but mean different things.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'lasting legacy' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Lasting legacy' means something that continues to have an effect for a long time. Option 1 fits: a library is a lasting result of the mayor's work. The other options contradict the idea of 'lasting' or use it in a trivial, temporary way.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “lasting legacy”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.