persistence

noun

per·​sis·​tence pər-ˈsi-stən(t)s 

-ˈzi-

1

: the action or fact of persisting

2

: the quality or state of being persistent

especially : perseverance

Synonyms of persistence

• continuation
• continuity
• continuance
• continuousness

Examples of persistence in a Sentence

He admired her dogged persistence in pursuing the job.

His persistence in asking for a raise was finally rewarded.

She has shown a lot of persistence.

Recent Examples on the Web

The accomplishment of the Pidden brothers demonstrates how creativity, persistence, and technical knowledge can lead to remarkable achievements. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026

The persistence of such moves has affected the country's tourism industry. —ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026

About two weeks after the couple’s trip took its unexpected turn, their persistence appears to have paid off. —Blane Bachelor, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026

This case is an egregious example of the ruthless persistence exhibited by scammers to enrich themselves at the expense of vulnerable people. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for persistence

• assistance
• consistence
• desistance
• existence
• insistence
• resistance
• subsistence
• coexistence
• nonexistence
• distance
• magnetoresistance

Kids Definition

persistence

noun

per·​sis·​tence pər-ˈsis-tən(t)s 

-ˈzis-

1

: the act or fact of persisting

2

: the quality of being persistent