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

Dallas police chief praises persistence In the news release, Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux praised detectives' persistence and emphasized that cold‑case justice remains possible. —Doug Myers, CBS News, 27 May 2026

The prize is persistence with trust at scale. —Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

For teens like Rivera, the experience of searching for a first job has already become its own lesson in persistence. —ABC News, 27 May 2026

Yale environmental health expert Vasilis Vasiliou says their persistence raises long-term public-health concerns. —Ryan Brennan may 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2026

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