persistence

noun

per·​sis·​tence pər-ˈsi-stən(t)s 

-ˈzi-

1

: the action or fact of persisting

2

: the quality or state of being persistent

especially : perseverance

Synonyms of persistence

• continuation
• continuity
• continuance
• continuousness

Examples of persistence in a Sentence

He admired her dogged persistence in pursuing the job.

His persistence in asking for a raise was finally rewarded.

She has shown a lot of persistence.

Recent Examples on the Web

The persistence of terrorism in Nigeria, whose northern states abut the West African Sahel region, has strategic implications for the country and beyond if the trend is not reversed and decisively crushed. —Kingsley Moghalu, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025

The study’s insights could help scientists model pollutant persistence and even engineer better cleanup materials inspired by these minerals. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025

Starting a business from scratch takes focus, persistence, and a clear understanding of what people need. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025

Dachshunds, originally bred in Germany for hunting badgers, are known for their persistence, energy and strong prey drive. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for persistence

• assistance
• consistence
• desistance
• existence
• insistence
• resistance
• subsistence
• coexistence
• nonexistence
• distance
• magnetoresistance

Kids Definition

persistence

noun

per·​sis·​tence pər-ˈsis-tən(t)s 

-ˈzis-

1

: the act or fact of persisting

2

: the quality of being persistent