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

While Sehgal’s persistence was key in keeping the project alive through corporate upheavals – going as far as to stash a culture at home – neither Nogrady nor the METEI was ever credited in his landmark publications. —Ted Powers, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025

Many locals already have tight circles, and breaking in takes patience and persistence. —Cepee Tabibian, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025

Rye and apple brandy are fast friends—the apple brandy adding an autumnal echo to rye’s grainy persistence. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025

Von Ahn’s remaining tips included using the Duolingo app regularly to understand the product and recognizing that career success requires both luck and persistence. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Sep. 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