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

Most existing battery technologies force designers to compromise between endurance and performance. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026

While everybody constantly loses fluids through breathing, sweating and other normal bodily processes, someone who is very active – such as a construction worker, landscaper or endurance athlete – can experience significantly more fluid loss than the average person. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 16 June 2026

But his endurance is about to be tested as never before. —Jon Keller, CBS News, 15 June 2026

Long-distance running was the most blatant case in point—a punishing feat of endurance that held out the promise of quantified individual success. —Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 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