Nontransitory

Nontransitory is an adjective meaning not transitory; lasting or enduring; not temporary or intermittent. It derives from Latin nontransitorius, from transitorius meaning passing, and transire meaning to pass through. In legal and policy drafting, the term is used to distinguish items, rights, or obligations that are permanent, fixed, or ongoing from those that are temporary, intermittent, or contingent.

Common usage appears in contracts, tax, real estate, and regulatory documents. For example, references to nontransitory income or nontransitory assets indicate elements that are expected to persist beyond a single period, as opposed to one-time or seasonal items. In contractual language, a nontransitory obligation suggests an obligation that remains in effect over the long term rather than for a limited, defined term. In regulatory or financing contexts, the term helps separate long-lasting commitments or expenditures from temporary or short-term ones.

Because the exact meaning can vary by jurisdiction and context, the term can be opaque when used without definition. It is often advisable to supplement the label with a clear description of duration, criteria, or conditions that define what counts as nontransitory for the specific document. This reduces ambiguity and improves comprehension for readers who are not familiar with legal drafting conventions.

See also: transitory, permanent, enduring, lasting.