perseverance

per·se·ver·ance | \ ˌpər-sə-ˈvir-ən(t)s

How to pronounce perseverance (audio)

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Definition of perseverance

: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of persevering : steadfastness

Examples of perseverance in a Sentence

The great international collectors and curators, once celebrated for their perceptiveness and perseverance, are now regularly deplored as traffickers in, or receivers of, stolen goods. — Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Review of Books, 9 Feb. 2006 … a cavalcade of black and brown and female faces spinning stories of hardship and triumph through perseverance. — Michelle Cottle, New Republic, 14 Aug. 2000 … he had no-nonsense coaches with hearts of gold who taught him discipline; he learned perseverance from a father who sent him back out to fight after he took a licking … — Jack McCallum, Sports Illustrated, 14 Dec. 1998 His perseverance was rewarded: after many rejections, he finally found a job. Perseverance is required to perfect just about any skill.

Recent Examples on the Web There are stories of perseverance, family bonds, life-changing decisions, love and new beginnings. — Arlene Martinez, USA TODAY, "In California: Coronavirus could hit half the state, governor says," 20 Mar. 2020 Roper’s perseverance — and dedication to her followers around the world — was clear. — Rachel E. Greenspan, Time, "We Caught Up With Grandma YoYo on How Her Powerful Story Reached Millions of People on TikTok," 12 Mar. 2020 She was chosen this season’s 21st Duck, an annual award that honors perseverance, character and courage. — Los Angeles Times, "Column: Sled hockey helps teenage double amputee thrive: ‘I’m in the best place possible’," 7 Mar. 2020 More than four months later, the pastor spoke on this Sunday morning about perseverance, resilience, keeping the faith. — Robert Wilonsky, Dallas News, "‘You don’t give up, ever’: How a private school provided sanctuary to a NW Dallas church erased by fall’s tornado," 3 Mar. 2020 This is the achievement of For Sama and The Cave, two extraordinary films that tell a profoundly human story of courage, commitment, sacrifice, defeat, and perseverance—stories that humanize the experience of many. — Robert F. Worth, The New York Review of Books, "Syria’s War on Screen: An Exchange," 6 Feb. 2020 Getting regular exercise year-round requires motivation, perseverance, and convenient access to your workout of choice. — Popular Science, "Four great treadmills for a convenient home workout," 22 Jan. 2020 Despite perseverance, believing in themselves and always getting up after any fall have made them stars worldwide. — Suzette Fernandez, Billboard, "Nicky Jam to Receive Special Award at Premios Tu Música Urbano 2020," 15 Jan. 2020 Comment: Three-time PHWA Colorado chapter nominee for the Masterton Trophy for the NHL player who exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. — Mike Chambers, The Denver Post, "Avalanche All-Decade Team: Colorado’s best players from 2010 through 2019," 31 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perseverance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

25 Mar 2020

Cite this Entry

“Perseverance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perseverance. Accessed 3 Apr. 2020.

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