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

Deng says hunter-gatherer populations, long underrepresented in genomic research, have allowed the survival of genetic signatures tied to ancient history and have also led to new adaptations. — Willow Zhang, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026

These trips are classified by mode (overland, sea) and type (survival, exile, coming of age). — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Around them, colleagues cross ethical boundaries in pursuit of justice, success and survival. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

The author emphasizes that financial security allows partnership to be a choice for love and mutual betterment, rather than a necessity for survival. — Kristin Vance Richards, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 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