resilience

noun

re·​sil·​ience ri-ˈzil-yən(t)s 

1

: the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress

2

: an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

Did you know?

Using Resilience Outside of Physics

In physics, resilience is the ability of an elastic material (such as rubber or animal tissue) to absorb energy (such as from a blow) and release that energy as it springs back to its original shape. The recovery that occurs in this phenomenon can be viewed as analogous to a person's ability to bounce back after a jarring setback. The word resilience derives from the present participle of the Latin verb resilire, meaning "to jump back" or "to recoil." The base of resilire is salire, a verb meaning "to leap" that also pops up in the etymologies of such sprightly words as sally and somersault.

Examples of resilience in a Sentence

… the concert remained a remarkable tribute to Dylan's resilience and continued relevance. —Susan Richardson, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 1994

He squeezed the rubber with a clamp and then released it—demonstrating with this painfully simple experiment that the material lost its resilience and therefore its ability to flex rapidly enough to protect the rocket joint from tumultuous hot gases. —James Gleick, New York Times Book Review, 13 Nov. 1988

With amazing resilience the two tribes pulled together and set out to found a new town farther up the river. —Carolyn Gilman, American Indian Art Magazine, Spring 1988

It is really wonderful how much resilience there is in human nature. Let any obstructing cause, no matter what, be removed in any way, even by death, and we fly back to first principles of hope and enjoyment. —Bram Stoker, Dracula, 1897

The rescue workers showed remarkable resilience in dealing with the difficult conditions.

Cold temperatures caused the material to lose resilience.

Recent Examples on the Web

Navigating this challenging market is a test of resilience. —Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

The series is executive produced by award-winning filmmakers Simon and Jonathan Chinn (Lightbox) and Ryan Coogler (Proximity Media), and directed by Oscar nominee Traci A. Curry (Attica), whose work amplifies stories of resilience, resistance, and reckoning. —Okla Jones, Essence, 26 June 2025

Each intentional interaction builds a lasting structure, or building block, within, strengthening emotional intelligence, resilience, clarity and empathy. —Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025

Field researchers thrive on a specific set of skills and attributes: resilience, self-reliance, creative problem-solving, and the ability to focus on the moment to decide what needs to be done. —Sarah Boon june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

see resilient

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

resilience

noun

re·​sil·​ience ri-ˈzil-yən(t)s 

1

: the ability of a body to regain its original size and shape after being compressed, bent, or stretched : elasticity

2

: the ability to recover from or adjust to misfortune or change

Medical Definition

resilience

noun

re·​sil·​ience ri-ˈzil-yən(t)s 

1

: the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress

2

: an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

emotional resilience