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

Participants are tested across a broad range of physical disciplines, from raw strength and speed to agility and endurance. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026

What Makes Humboldt Penguins Unique These birds are built for speed and endurance in temperate coastal waters along Peru and Chile. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Morgan Family Foundation, The Jemicy School, Calvert Hall’s La Salle Program, or The ALS 100, an annual endurance golf fundraiser for ALS research. —Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 7 Apr. 2026

Certain peptides were said to enhance strength, energy, endurance, and recovery. —Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 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