1
: the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens
The rescue workers showed remarkable resilience in dealing with the difficult conditions.
2
: the ability of something to return to its original shape after it has been pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.
the resilience of rubber
Cold temperatures caused the material to lose resilience.
Cite this Entry
“Resilience.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/resilience. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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