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

Maryland does not lack ambition or stubborn persistence. —Alex Pavlak, Baltimore Sun, 1 Feb. 2026

But at this point, the trend’s persistence and the thirst with which its products are consumed suggest a more profound connection between these stories and their audience. —Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026

Transferable soft skills such as problem-solving, and persistence, collaboration and empathy, fast become the tools with which to succeed. —Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

This is Rambo stripped down, raw, and real—a survival story about endurance, persistence, and lost innocence. —Arushi Jacob, Variety, 29 Jan. 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