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

• 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

While individual particles may be microscopic, their sheer numbers and persistence pose a long-term hazard. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025

Other risks include data poisoning, context hijacking and large language model (LLM) memory persistence, where cached queries or context reuse could expose sensitive information to subsequent users. —Camellia Chan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

By the fourth quarter, Tewksbury’s persistence earned it a fourth and final touchdown by Emeka Olu just past the three-minute mark. —Hannah Hughes, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025

Both tender and unflinching, Christy is a celebration of persistence, humor, and humanity in the face of unexpected turns. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 4 Sep. 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