endurance

noun

en·​dur·​ance in-ˈdu̇r-ən(t)s 

-ˈdyu̇r-, 

en-

1

: the ability to withstand hardship or adversity

especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity

a marathon runner's endurance

2

: the act or an instance of enduring or suffering

endurance of many hardships

3

: permanence, duration

the endurance of the play's importance

Synonyms of endurance

• continuity
• continuation
• persistence
• continuance
• continuousness

Examples of endurance in a Sentence

The exercise program is designed to increase both strength and endurance.

the endurance of his love for his wife was not arrested even by her death

Recent Examples on the Web

Detecting those aircraft early remains one of the biggest challenges for base security teams, especially as commercial drones gain longer range and better endurance. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026

The camp helps students build their endurance, while also sharpening their skills. — Kaicey Baylor, CBS News, 29 July 2026

No manufacturer has demonstrated greater consistency in modern endurance racing than Toyota. — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

If your goal is endurance, swim laps or walk through the water at a steady pace to keep your heart rate elevated. — Patricia Neligan, AJC.com, 27 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing endurance

• beyond endurance

Kids Definition

endurance

noun

en·​dur·​ance in-ˈd(y)u̇r-ən(t)s 

1

: the quality of lasting or of being permanent

2

: the ability to withstand hardship, adversity, or stress

athletes need to develop endurance

3

: suffering sense 1

endurance of many hardships