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

Brad Smotherman’s journey, marked by curiosity and persistence, flows naturally into this work. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 2 June 2026

For those artifacts, establish policies that evaluate behavior before execution, including privilege use, persistence, network activity, file modification, data access and lateral movement potential. —Ken Ammon, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Instead, the multi-hyphenate speed demon speaks with endless joy about the curiosity, persistence, and the people who support her daily work. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 June 2026

Luckily, one of her superpowers is persistence. —Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026

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