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

These entrepreneurs have built their paths through persistence, creativity, and a focus on real-world impact. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025

Menounos says her persistence saved her life. —Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

Decades after a crackdown by prosecutors decimated the ranks of the New York Mafia, the indictment of an NBA coach, a player and nearly three dozen others in a betting scandal highlighted the mob’s persistence and adaptability to changing times and technology. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025

Rye and apple brandy are fast friends—the apple brandy adding an autumnal echo to rye’s grainy persistence. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 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