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 of endurance

• continuity
• continuation
• persistence
• continuance
• continuousness

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

Even with endurance races, the championship offers regular, flat-out action. —Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Call it endurance; call it perseverance. —David L. Ulin, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026

An ultramarathon runner is speaking out after becoming the first woman in history to win the Cocodona 250, a 250-mile endurance race, and setting a course record in the process. —Faith Bernstein, ABC News, 8 May 2026

Resilience and the ordinary life Stoner’s unremarkable life, bookended by quiet endurance, reveals dignity in the ordinary. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026

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