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

• 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

McRae’s singles have shown impressive endurance on the Hot 100, with eight of her songs already spending at least 20 weeks on the chart. —Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2025

Exercises for Better Posture There are many ways to target the core, pelvic floor, and spinal accessory muscles to improve posture and postural endurance. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2025

The divisions included endurance and sports race cars, supercars, flat track motorcycles, sprint cars, drift cars, vintage IndyCars, NASCAR, ASF Cup cars (American Speed Festival) and a new group called LROC (Ladies Race of Champions). —Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025

Where Campbell’s moment captured the danger of fashion, Hilton’s reimagining celebrates its endurance — the idea that style history can be playful, self-aware and towering in every sense. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2025

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