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

The persistence of torture was among the mission’s starkest findings. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026

According to the trade counsel, the recent tit-for-tat trade actions undertaken by both Washington and Ottowa have served to illuminate the persistence of a trend that stands to continue over the coming months. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026

Maines’ technical skill along with his persistence and curiosity helped produce journalism with far-reaching consequences. — Sally Kestin, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

In the decades since, the persistence of fear-mongering and the growth of anti-Muslim sentiment and hate crimes has been hard to miss. — Daniel Benjamin, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 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