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

After the race, Five-time Nürburgring 24 Hours winner Timo Bernhard got emotional about Verstappen's feat and commended the driver for bringing attention to endurance racing. —Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

Having finished the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado and California’s Sierra Range — including Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the Lower 48 states at 14,500 feet — the next stop for the renowned Spanish endurance athlete is Mount Shasta in northern California, near the Oregon border. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025

Key Takeaways Cardio exercises build endurance, strengthen the heart, and boost your aerobic capacity. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2025

Morgan Pope takes part 1 - an endurance competition in which the houseguests had to hold onto a flying drone in the backyard. —Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 28 Sep. 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