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

Field testing would need to demonstrate its endurance, reliability, and practical effectiveness. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

After following rock climber Alex Honnold in Free Solo, directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin this time follow a couple of passionate adventurers who push themselves to the limits of the possible and of human endurance. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

More than four and a half years into the war that Moscow launched with its full-scale invasion in 2022, Black Sea shipping has increasingly been drawn into a prolonged battle of economic endurance. — Reuters, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026

Alongside his acting career, Dempsey competed in endurance motor racing, recording podium finishes at premier racing events such as the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 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