continuity

noun

con·​ti·​nu·​i·​ty ˌkän-tə-ˈnü-ə-tē 

-ˈnyü-

plural continuities

1

a

: uninterrupted connection, succession, or union

… its disregard of the continuity between means and ends …

—Sidney Hook

b

: uninterrupted duration or continuation especially without essential change

the continuity of the company's management

2

: something that has, exhibits, or provides continuity: such as

a

: a script or scenario in the performing arts

b

: transitional spoken or musical matter especially for a radio or television program

c

: the story and dialogue of a comic strip

3

: the property of being mathematically continuous

Synonyms

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

Examples of continuity in a Sentence

The art historian is studying the continuities between the painter's works and those of her followers.

There's a problem with the movie's continuity.

Recent Examples on the Web

But if a brand manager is serious about continuity, a short (keep it simple) onboarding exercise can work wonders. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

The responsibility of the upcoming new executive hire will be to ensure the continuity required to challenge consistently. —James McNicholas, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025

Economic downturns, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical shifts threaten business continuity. —Jason Phillips, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

In many ways, As Ever reflects the idea of continuity — meaning her new company and show pick up right where The Tig left off. —Erin Hill, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English continuite, borrowed from Anglo-French continuité, borrowed from Latin continuitāt-, continuitās, from continuus continuous + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

continuity

noun

con·​ti·​nu·​ity

ˌkänt-ᵊn-ˈ(y)ü-ət-ē

plural continuities

1

: the quality or state of being continuous

2

: something that has or provides continuity

Medical Definition

continuity

noun

con·​ti·​nu·​ity ˌkänt-ᵊn-ˈ(y)ü-ət-ē 

plural continuities

: uninterrupted connection, succession, or union