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

For Youakim, success isn’t measured in headlines, but in persistence, resilience, and a relentless commitment to solving everyday frictions with financial tools that give people agency. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

Many Sri Lankans, especially the young protesters, viewed both New Delhi and Washington as responsible for the persistence of a corrupt old regime. —Muhib Rahman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025

That persistence — iterative improvement — is how evolution works, too. —Big Think, 12 Nov. 2025

His persistence paid off on Saturday. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 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