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

Pic’s blurb: A group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of horror and survival. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025

Meet and interact with one of LEC’s resident animal ambassadors and learn about its natural behaviors and survival adaptations. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2025

The job search itself adds to the stress: 58% of job seekers check job listings daily 39% search multiple times a day 46% feel more pessimistic about their careers than last year When the job market feels discouraging, lying on your resume can look like a survival tactic. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Oliver, torn between loyalty to his mother and his own survival, plays a pivotal role in the ongoing power struggle within Caddis. —Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 13 Aug. 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