perseverance

noun

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

How to pronounce perseverance (audio)

\

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 Another athlete who stands out in the work ethic, attitude, leadership, perseverance arena is Kekoa Lycett. — oregonlive, "Oregon high school spring season preview: Highlighting standout track and field athletes," 15 Apr. 2021 Finally, in July 2019, the Alexanders’ perseverance paid off. — Mike Gousha And John Johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Growing 'land grab' by out-of-state investment landlords raises questions for Milwaukee homeowners and neighborhoods," 15 Apr. 2021 That a Carnival even exists in its current iteration is proof of the perseverance of the descendants of slaves, who fought against the British police’s attempts to quash their celebrations in 1881. — Amanda Choo Quan, Harper's BAZAAR, "I Grew Up in a Majority-Minority Country. We Still Have a Problem with Anti-Blackness," 1 Apr. 2021 In the end, the film's message is the perseverance of a towering musical figure who battled to reach the pinnacle of success. — David Chiu, Forbes, "Tina Turner Documentary Spotlights The Legend’s Triumphs And Battles Against The Odds," 20 Mar. 2021 That perseverance was tested when Lyles suffered a torn MCL in his right knee and tibia fracture in his right leg in the loss to Indiana. — Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "No pain, no gain: UW center Kayden Lyles has battled through injuries to his hips, right knee and right leg to return to the field," 8 Apr. 2021 Doing this while losing the things that are most important to me — my friends and teachers, sports and music — has been really hard and has taken a lot of mental perseverance. — oregonlive, "Parkrose High volleyball and softball player named Portland Rose Festival princess," 31 Mar. 2021 That steely perseverance became evident in the Pointers football team’s 10-6 victory over Towson (0-3) on Thursday night. — Kyle J. Andrews, baltimoresun.com, "Sparrows Point football’s stout defense comes up big in 10-6 victory over Towson," 26 Mar. 2021 Race officials say the award honors the final musher’s perseverance in not giving up. — From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, "Pandemic popcorn, doctor’s notes, Red Lantern Award: News from around our 50 states," 19 Mar. 2021

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about perseverance

Dictionary Entries near perseverance

Statistics for perseverance

Last Updated

25 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Perseverance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perseverance. Accessed 7 May. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for perseverance

perseverance

noun

English Language Learners Definition of perseverance

: the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult

See the full definition for perseverance in the English Language Learners Dictionary

perseverance

noun

per·se·ver·ance | \ ˌpər-sə-ˈvir-əns

\

Kids Definition of perseverance

: the act or power of continuing to do something in spite of difficulties

Keep scrolling for more

Comments on perseverance

What made you want to look up perseverance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

archipelago

Listen to the pronunciation of archipelago

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Star Wars Words Quiz

The bounty portion of bounty hunters (such as Boba Fett) comes from a Latin word meaning

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ