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

Have the confidence to walk away For founders, persistence is often celebrated, but knowing when to stop investing in a business can be just as important as having the conviction to start one. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

The persistence of these differences beyond the pandemic points to chronic disease, not Covid-19 alone, as a key component of the political mortality divide. — Brandon Yan, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026

Many interpret the persistence of these problems as evidence that sanctions are futile. — S. C. M. Paine, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026

For Brooklyn, a night that had teased a chance to build on Sunday’s first win in Indiana ended with another lesson in persistence. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 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