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

What changed her mind over the following years was his persistence. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

Millard was either won over by Makowsky’s passion or annoyed into agreement by his persistence. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026

Hope and persistence pay off Some of the happiest children are those who maintain a sense of hopefulness and possibility. — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026

While not definitively attributing this to AI, researchers note the pattern's persistence despite controlling for other economic factors. — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 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