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 climb, which spanned eight grueling days, was a test of endurance and ingenuity due to treacherous weather, loose rocks, and the challenge of hoisting heavy equipment up the cliff. —David Nikel, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

While many of these strikes were intercepted, Ukraine's largest energy company said that the attack had caused significant damage to its thermal power plants, heightening concerns about energy stability and endurance as winter approaches. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

With a rare combination of strength, balance, endurance, smarts, and touch for the snow, Shiffrin has rarely DNFed—ski racing lingo for did not finish. —Peggy Shinn, Outside Online, 2 Dec. 2024

Sisters, Tammy and Amy decide to do a 5K with their siblings, hoping to build their endurance and stamina before taking a family trip to London. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

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