persistent

adjective

per·​sis·​tent pər-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce persistent (audio)
-ˈzi-
1
: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such as
a
: retained beyond the usual period
a persistent leaf
b
: continuing without change in function or structure
persistent gills
c
: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
d
: degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
e
: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
a
: continuing or inclined to persist in a course
b
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
persistently adverb

Examples of persistent in a Sentence

Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power. Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since. Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman. He is one of the government's most persistent critics. She has been persistent in pursuing the job. He has been fighting a persistent cold. Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year. Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
Recent Examples on the Web Despite the ongoing war and persistent Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukraine's economy remains resilient, with growth, moderate inflation, and strong reserves supported by external aid. Katya Soldak, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 At the same time, the persistent truth-telling of McConnell — about Putin, about the 2020 election, about January 6, about Orbán — is a bright spot in GOP politics. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Oct. 2024 Enhanced Tag allows customers to assign more persistent cookies, allowing a better understanding of the user journey, while Smart Resolution can match site views on different devices and with different emails even without the use of cookies. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 18 Oct. 2024 And despite the increasing frequency and costs of disasters, and persistent criticism by both political parties, FEMA soldiers on. Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for persistent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'persistent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin persistent-, persistens, present participle of persistere — see persist

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persistent was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near persistent

Cite this Entry

“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persistent. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

persistent

adjective
per·​sis·​tent pər-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce persistent (audio)
-ˈzis-
1
: continuing, existing, or acting for a long or longer than usual time
a persistent cold
persistent gills
2
: stubbornly determined
persistently adverb

Medical Definition

persistent

adjective
per·​sis·​tent -tənt How to pronounce persistent (audio)
1
: existing or continuing for a long time: as
a
: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
b
: degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
c
: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years

More from Merriam-Webster on persistent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!