survival

noun

sur·​viv·​al sər-ˈvī-vəl 

often attributive

1

a

: the act or fact of living or continuing longer than another person or thing

b

: the continuation of life or existence

problems of survival in arctic conditions

2

: one that survives

Examples of survival in a Sentence

The refugees depend on foreign aid for their survival.

Small businesses are fighting for survival.

the survival of an old folktale

Recent Examples on the Web

Numerous international versions of the survival competition format can be filmed at the hub, which is based in the wilderness of Lake Kenyir replete with jaguars and pythons. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026

The game’s organizers turn the pair’s fight for survival into a show. — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

For a family living in poverty, having a home can make a huge difference in the fight for survival. — Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026

Through patience, stealth, and smart use of supplies for crafting, survival is achievable, but this isn’t a bug hunt with the Colonial Marines. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing survival

• chance of survival
• survival instinct
• survival mechanism
• survival of the fittest

Rhymes for survival

• archival
• arrival
• revival
• conjunctival
• rival
• subconjunctival

Kids Definition

survival

noun

sur·​viv·​al sər-ˈvī-vəl 

1

: the act or fact of living or continuing longer than another person or thing

survival of half the population after the epidemic

2

: a continuation of life despite difficult conditions

skills for survival in the desert

3

: one that survives