survival

noun

sur·​viv·​al sər-ˈvī-vəl 

often attributive

1

a

: the act or fact of living or continuing longer than another person or thing

b

: the continuation of life or existence

problems of survival in arctic conditions

2

: one that survives

Examples of survival in a Sentence

The refugees depend on foreign aid for their survival.

Small businesses are fighting for survival.

the survival of an old folktale

Recent Examples on the Web

Featuring bold new artwork by Violeta Encarnación and an exclusive introduction by the author, this deluxe version of the Booker Prize-winning novel reimagines the beloved tale of survival, spirituality, and storytelling. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

At the time of diagnosis, the cancer was localized and hadn’t spread, giving Lizzy a 70% survival rate. —Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 19 July 2025

This is especially true in rural communities, where economic and political pressures have threatened the survival of local journalism. —Josh Shepperd, The Conversation, 17 July 2025

The film explores the clash between morality and survival through the lens of migration, impunity and structural violence. —John Hopewell, Variety, 17 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing survival

• chance of survival
• survival instinct
• survival mechanism
• survival of the fittest

Rhymes for survival

• archival
• arrival
• revival
• conjunctival
• rival
• subconjunctival

Kids Definition

survival

noun

sur·​viv·​al sər-ˈvī-vəl 

1

: the act or fact of living or continuing longer than another person or thing

survival of half the population after the epidemic

2

: a continuation of life despite difficult conditions

skills for survival in the desert

3

: one that survives