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 real endurance record that matters is the cannonball run coast-to-coast in the USA. —New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2025

Despite the persistent myth that our species evolved to chase down prey on the savanna, horses will generally beat even the most elite human endurance athletes in contests of speed and distance. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2025

Training, including working on speed, strength, and endurance, can improve your mile run time. —Amelia MacIntyre, Verywell Health, 24 Mar. 2025

In the series, produced by Imagine Entertainment, Blaine travels all over the world to meet with people from different cultures who perform remarkable feats of endurance, from eating nails to lighting themselves on fire. —Jenelle Riley, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025

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