persistent

adjective

per·​sis·​tent pər-ˈsi-stənt 

-ˈzi-

1

: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such as

a

: retained beyond the usual period

a persistent leaf

b

: continuing without change in function or structure

persistent gills

c

: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing

mustard gas is persistent

d

: degraded only slowly by the environment

persistent pesticides

e

: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation

persistent viruses

2

a

: continuing or inclined to persist in a course

b

: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment

a persistent cough

has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years

persistently adverb

Synonyms of persistent

• insistent
• stubborn
• resolute
• tenacious
• dogged
• steadfast
• relentless
• patient
• determined
• constant
• dedicated
• steady
• pertinacious

Examples of persistent in a Sentence

Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist. —Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008

The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power. —Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008

The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since. —Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959

We were nagged by a persistent salesman.

He is one of the government's most persistent critics.

She has been persistent in pursuing the job.

He has been fighting a persistent cold.

Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.

Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.

Recent Examples on the Web

There is also persistent friction between Arab and Kurdish communities in the northeast of the country, and the government has had to respond to pockets of violence against the religious Alawite minority along Syria’s coast. — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

That makes ports, naval bases, offshore installations, subsea cables and maritime chokepoints particularly interesting targets for persistent surveillance. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026

The push coincides with persistent affordability challenges across the city. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

Some eggs are clean and bright (say, Siberian caviar); others are creamy, nutty, deeply savory, or more persistent (à la golden osetra). — Felipe Riccio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin persistent-, persistens, present participle of persistere — see persist

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing persistent

• persistent vegetative state

Rhymes for persistent

• assistant
• consistent
• existent
• insistent
• resistant
• subsistent
• coexistent
• equidistant
• inconsistent
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• distant

Kids Definition

persistent

adjective

per·​sis·​tent pər-ˈsis-tənt 

-ˈzis-

1

: continuing, existing, or acting for a long or longer than usual time

a persistent cold

persistent gills

2

: stubbornly determined

persistently adverb

Medical Definition

persistent

adjective

per·​sis·​tent -tənt 

1

: existing or continuing for a long time: as

a

: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing

mustard gas is persistent

b

: degraded only slowly by the environment

persistent pesticides

c

: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation

persistent viruses

2

: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment

a persistent cough

has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years