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

Israel is not solely responsible for the persistence of hellish conditions in Gaza. — Khaled Elgindy, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026

Meanwhile, some of the traits learned in tackling very difficult mathematical problems—such as persistence—may increase safety risks. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026

That persistence is why deleting a suspicious app may not be enough once RatHat fully compromises a phone. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Any small engagement is enormously motivating and helpful for her persistence. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 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