persistent

adjective

per·​sis·​tent pər-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce persistent (audio)
-ˈzi-
1
: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such as
a
: retained beyond the usual period
a persistent leaf
b
: continuing without change in function or structure
persistent gills
c
: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
d
: degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
e
: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
a
: continuing or inclined to persist in a course
b
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
persistently adverb

Examples of persistent in a Sentence

Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power. Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since. Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman. He is one of the government's most persistent critics. She has been persistent in pursuing the job. He has been fighting a persistent cold. Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year. Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
Recent Examples on the Web To some degree, Trump's win in 2020 and again in this past week's Ohio primary simply demonstrated his persistent appeal in the state. Ron Elving, NPR, 23 Mar. 2024 Chief Bailey was there when Swanson died Looking back, Hampton remembers the persistent presence in the community of current IMPD Chief Christopher Bailey, the North District Commander at the time of Swanson's death in 2015. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Mar. 2024 The earliest effects of toxic stress are often persistent symptoms such as headache, fatigue or abdominal pain that interfere with overall functioning. Lawson R. Wulsin, Discover Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024 Even if persistent drought dries up the reservoirs outside town, the city still has reserves in its shrinking underground aquifer system, with hopes that coming rains will replace some of the year’s losses and stave off disaster. Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 The film — about a syndicate of confidence men planning cons in the Great Depression — was a dream shoot on the Universal backlot set, save for one persistent annoyance: Redford was always late. Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2024 At a Wednesday press conference, Chair Jerome Powell pointed to stubbornly persistent inflation in January and February's to explain the decision to hold rates steady, adding that the central bank doesn't want to cut prematurely and risk a flare-up of inflation. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2024 In general, the major signs to watch for include persistent worrying or sadness, insomnia, restlessness, a significant change in your appetite, difficulty focusing, a loss of interest in things that once brought joy (like your hobbies), and thoughts of death or suicide. Kayla Blanton, SELF, 19 Mar. 2024 He was set to face tough questions from Republican lawmakers on the panel -- reflecting how the withdrawal has become a persistent part of conservative criticism of the White House. Matt Seyler, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'persistent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin persistent-, persistens, present participle of persistere — see persist

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persistent was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near persistent

Cite this Entry

“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persistent. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

persistent

adjective
per·​sis·​tent pər-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce persistent (audio)
-ˈzis-
1
: continuing, existing, or acting for a long or longer than usual time
a persistent cold
persistent gills
2
: stubbornly determined
persistently adverb

Medical Definition

persistent

adjective
per·​sis·​tent -tənt How to pronounce persistent (audio)
1
: existing or continuing for a long time: as
a
: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
b
: degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
c
: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years

More from Merriam-Webster on persistent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!