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 of persistence

• 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

From hosting home games for the Pacers and the Indiana Fever, to his years anchoring Channel One News, to becoming a correspondent and eventually co-anchor on Access Hollywood, his career has followed an upward curve fueled by preparation and persistence. —Okla Jones, Essence, 11 Dec. 2025

The chapter ends up being a paean to the persistence of love, and advocacy born from loss. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025

Faith leaders say the award recognizes both her policy expertise and her persistence. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025

The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo’s persistence in demanding accountability from Videla and his government helped end the dictatorship; the military formally ceded power after democratic elections in 1983. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 10 Dec. 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