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

The seven-year review covered everything from initial design to structural fatigue, manufacturing, and real-world storm survival. — New Atlas, 21 July 2026

Human beings are totally dependent on their caregivers for survival during their early years. — Hylke Faber, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

The narrative centers on the residents of a remote, isolated harbor village who discover a mysterious alien entity on the outskirts of their town, quickly turning their quiet community into a desperate battleground for human survival. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 July 2026

Its greater purpose should be to help create the conditions in which fewer young people believe that violence is their only path to money, status, protection or survival. — Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

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