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 late-career emergence as an elite quarterback demonstrated both Gannon's persistence and the impact of finally finding the right organizational fit. —Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Such persistence can pay off in the long run: civil society groups in Bangladesh, South Africa, and Sri Lanka eventually chased out corrupt politicians. —Elizabeth David-Barrett, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025

As fans revisit his performances—from Iceman to Batman—Val Kilmer's legacy remains defined not only by his onscreen characters, but also by his creative persistence through profound personal challenges. —Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025

But its core themes—persistence, natural beauty, and finding purpose against long odds—remain as relevant as ever. —ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for persistence

• assistance
• consistence
• desistance
• existence
• insistence
• resistance
• subsistence
• coexistence
• nonexistence
• distance
• magnetoresistance

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