endurance

noun

en·​dur·​ance in-ˈdu̇r-ən(t)s 

-ˈdyu̇r-,

en-

1

: the ability to withstand hardship or adversity

especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity

a marathon runner's endurance

2

: the act or an instance of enduring or suffering

endurance of many hardships

3

: permanence, duration

the endurance of the play's importance

Synonyms

• abidance
• ceaselessness
• continuance
• continuation
• continuity
• continuousness
• durability
• duration
• persistence
• subsistence

Examples of endurance in a Sentence

The exercise program is designed to increase both strength and endurance.

the endurance of his love for his wife was not arrested even by her death

Recent Examples on the Web

The six episodes in the season span from Brazil, Asia, India, South Africa to Japan as Blaine explores the world and puts endurance to the test. —Matt Minton, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025

Plant was putting them through a cheerful endurance test, but the filmmakers were used to the hunt. —Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 Feb. 2025

As the name may have given away, it was inspired by the company’s Daytona prototype race cars that dominated endurance racing in the 1960s, including taking a 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1963. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025

When tragedy strikes, the film shifts into a chronicle of endurance, of solitude and grief. —Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing endurance

• beyond endurance

Kids Definition

endurance

noun

en·​dur·​ance in-ˈd(y)u̇r-ən(t)s 

1

: the quality of lasting or of being permanent

2

: the ability to withstand hardship, adversity, or stress

athletes need to develop endurance

3

: suffering sense 1

endurance of many hardships