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

King is building up his arm strength and endurance after missing the past 2½ months with a nerve impingement near his shoulder. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

But now public school students across the U.S. once again face being rated on their strength, endurance and flexibility under an executive order reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test signed by Donald Trump on Thursday. —News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025

What emerged is a reflection on care, memory, and endurance. —Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 1 Aug. 2025

The 6,500 attendees who turned out to see footage of The Long Walk, Lionsgate’s adaptation of Stephen King’s 1979 novel about 100 teenage boys forced to compete in a deadly endurance challenge — walk 3 miles an hour or be executed — were shown 20 minutes of the movie. —Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 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