persistence

noun

per·​sis·​tence pər-ˈsi-stən(t)s 

-ˈzi-

1

: the action or fact of persisting

2

: the quality or state of being persistent

especially : perseverance

Synonyms

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

Examples of persistence in a Sentence

He admired her dogged persistence in pursuing the job.

His persistence in asking for a raise was finally rewarded.

She has shown a lot of persistence.

Recent Examples on the Web

The points this story makes about the human capacity for empathy, who merits collective forgiveness, and the stubborn persistence of the death penalty are discomfiting. —Sarah Weinman, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024

Beyond lackluster performances and the persistence of pests, the insecticides harmed other wildlife. —Salama Udaipurwala, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2024

Yet some of us in the audience, disgusted by the persistence of Nazism and anti-immigrant invective in the present, may well appreciate the force of McQueen’s rhetoric. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024

Their words reflect the care and persistence of Shamsiyya’s work as a community mobilizer, helping Fatima gradually overcome her fears and give her blessing. —Unicef Usa, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

persistence

noun

per·​sis·​tence pər-ˈsis-tən(t)s 

-ˈzis-

1

: the act or fact of persisting

2

: the quality of being persistent