persistence

noun

per·​sis·​tence pər-ˈsi-stən(t)s 

-ˈzi-

1

: the action or fact of persisting

2

: the quality or state of being persistent

especially : perseverance

Synonyms

• continuation
• continuity
• continuance
• continuousness

Examples of persistence in a Sentence

He admired her dogged persistence in pursuing the job.

His persistence in asking for a raise was finally rewarded.

She has shown a lot of persistence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Overwintering dahlias as perennials takes patience, persistence, and a little bit of trial and error. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2025

The persistence of this military alliance can best be explained by a lack of alternative Atlanticist structures. —Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025

Sony Music Entertainment Japan’s Nobu Nakatake emphasized the persistence required to incubate global fandom. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025

While Sehgal’s persistence was key in keeping the project alive through corporate upheavals – going as far as to stash a culture at home – neither Nogrady nor the METEI was ever credited in his landmark publications. —Ted Powers, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for persistence

• assistance
• consistence
• desistance
• existence
• insistence
• resistance
• subsistence
• coexistence
• nonexistence
• distance
• magnetoresistance

Kids Definition

persistence

noun

per·​sis·​tence pər-ˈsis-tən(t)s 

-ˈzis-

1

: the act or fact of persisting

2

: the quality of being persistent