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

Conclusion The path to meaningful DEI progress requires patience, persistence and rigorous measurement. —Natalie Norfus, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

Patience, persistence and strategic thinking separate the best from the rest. —Stephen Nalley, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025

Rather than solely praising outcomes, commend effort, creativity and persistence. —Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, Contributor, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025

It’s been encouraging us to turn our dreams and visions into reality while reminding us that hard work requires patience and persistence. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 Feb. 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