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

Stewart's persistence eventually paid off, and he was sent to England in late 1943 with the 445th Bombardment Group. — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Strategic execution, early partnerships and persistence are the key components to building the momentum needed to reach that tipping point toward widespread adoption. — Dennis Calvert, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026

During Gansey’s days as GM in Cleveland, resilience and persistence had been drilled into him. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

The persistence of an ideology is not the same as salience, however. — Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 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