persistent

adjective

per·​sis·​tent pər-ˈsi-stənt 

-ˈzi-

1

: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such as

a

: retained beyond the usual period

a persistent leaf

b

: continuing without change in function or structure

persistent gills

c

: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing

mustard gas is persistent

d

: degraded only slowly by the environment

persistent pesticides

e

: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation

persistent viruses

2

a

: continuing or inclined to persist in a course

b

: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment

a persistent cough

has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years

persistently adverb

Synonyms

• dogged
• insistent
• patient
• persevering
• pertinacious
• tenacious

Examples of persistent in a Sentence

Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist. —Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008

The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power. —Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008

The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since. —Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959

We were nagged by a persistent salesman.

He is one of the government's most persistent critics.

She has been persistent in pursuing the job.

He has been fighting a persistent cold.

Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.

Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.

Recent Examples on the Web

The country is grappling with a number of challenges, from sluggish consumer spending and a persistent property slump to a mounting debt crisis at local governments. —Juliana Liu, CNN, 27 Sep. 2024

Rogue Machine has taken strides to diversify its programming, but a persistent gender gap in playwriting signals a problem that will have to be redressed by Cienfuegos and his team. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024

Stigma is very, very persistent and in some countries remains alarmingly high, quite incredible after such a long period of time and so much understanding about the virus. —Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024

At Game 6 of the 1973 World Series against the New York Mets, fans took aim at then-owner Charlie Finley, whose reign was marred by penny-pinching and a persistent itch to take the organization elsewhere. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin persistent-, persistens, present participle of persistere — see persist

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing persistent

• persistent vegetative state

Kids Definition

persistent

adjective

per·​sis·​tent pər-ˈsis-tənt 

-ˈzis-

1

: continuing, existing, or acting for a long or longer than usual time

a persistent cold

persistent gills

2

: stubbornly determined

persistently adverb

Medical Definition

persistent

adjective

per·​sis·​tent -tənt 

1

: existing or continuing for a long time: as

a

: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing

mustard gas is persistent

b

: degraded only slowly by the environment

persistent pesticides

c

: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation

persistent viruses

2

: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment

a persistent cough

has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years