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

The deck team’s struggle to keep their heads above water is starting to look like an endurance challenge. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2025

Now living in Las Vegas and working as an Uber Eats driver, Powter opens up in the film about endurance, and what her life looks like after, as the documentary poses, shady management and legal associates drained her finances. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025

Yet elite endurance athletes are constantly pushing these biological boundaries. —Jason Dinh, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2025

Back in 2019, scientists proposed a new theory of endurance. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 20 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