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 of endurance

• 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

Illness already demands endurance. —Iyesatta Massaquoi Emeli, STAT, 2 June 2026

That combination is important because surveillance ships often spend extended periods towing sensitive sonar arrays through the water, a mission that requires stability, endurance, and exceptionally quiet operation. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026

Russia has built a war machine optimized for endurance and attrition; Ukraine is answering with adaptation, precision, and systemic disruption of Russia’s war machine through strategic attack. —David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

At the dawn of the automobile age, four teams set out to test the limits of their machines—and of human endurance. —Eric Moskowitz, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026

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