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

This persistence paid off: Zhang proved that there is at least one kind of prime number pair with a distance of less than 70 million that occurs infinitely often. —Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 7 June 2024

Despite long Covid’s persistence, there are no treatments for it. —Isabella Cueto, STAT, 6 June 2024

McNeil says this technique can be achieved at home with patience and persistence. —Celeste Polanco, Essence, 21 May 2024

Their examples of persistence hunting are wide-ranging. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 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