1
: able to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens
resilient young people
resilient competitors
The local economy is remarkably resilient.
2
: able to return to an original shape after being pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.
a resilient material
Cite this Entry
“Resilient.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/resilient. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.
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