survival

noun

sur·​viv·​al sər-ˈvī-vəl How to pronounce survival (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Bulldozer Revolution that ousted Milošević was comprised of Serbs from a wide range of backgrounds, all determined to bring down an unpopular autocrat who put his own political survival above the needs of citizens. Hanna Begić, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025 The immersive versions are being designed to transport audiences into gothic horror, post-apocalyptic survival and futuristic rebellion settings. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025 The discovery demonstrates that different swimming strategies were essential for survival in the ancient oceans 240 million years ago. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025 Operating under daily threat and surveillance, the studio becomes a crucible of moral sacrifice, artistic resistance, and survival. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for survival

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of survival was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Survival.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/survival. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

survival

noun
sur·​viv·​al sər-ˈvī-vəl How to pronounce survival (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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