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

• abidance
• ceaselessness
• continuance
• continuation
• continuity
• continuousness
• durability
• duration
• persistence
• subsistence

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

However, this past weekend and more than 14 years later, Kubica completed what is perceived by many to be the greatest motorsport comeback of all time, winning the iconic 24 hours of Le Mans endurance race. —Rory Fleming, CNN Money, 21 June 2025

Your racing resume is so impressive and diverse — stints in NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula E, IMSA, among other series, plus endurance racing like Sebring and Daytona. —Morgan Korn, ABC News, 21 June 2025

Thanks to its design, the blimp can fly for a maximum of 22 hours, so no wonder it’s ideally suited to endurance race appearances. —Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

For the author, what may sound at first blush like a macho story of man conquering nature is not so much about a feat of endurance, but rather about community. —Taylor Haney, NPR, 18 June 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