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

While cost is a primary consideration for payers, lack of persistence on GLP-1s is another reason for hesitance to reimburse weight loss drugs. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

In the gleaming chrome and fresh paint of each vehicle at their events, there is a story of persistence, investment, and pride. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 2 Aug. 2025

The regime's feverish efforts to stamp out dissent are matched only by the courage and persistence of ordinary Iranians. —Tom Ridge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025

Some speculate that this association may be the cause of the president’s visible frustration with the matter’s persistence. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 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