persistent

adjective

per·​sis·​tent pər-ˈsi-stənt 

-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

Synonyms of persistent

• insistent
• stubborn
• resolute
• tenacious
• dogged
• steadfast
• relentless
• patient
• determined
• constant
• dedicated
• steady
• pertinacious

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

The panel describe a persistent gang presence in rural communities including Nouvelle-Touraine, Bongars, Grand Fond, Belle Fontaine, Belot, Furcy, Kafou Bèt and Sourçailles. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

Rodan-Benzaquen said the anger reflected years of educational instability, frequent ministerial changes and reforms that have failed to resolve persistent school problems. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

TargetArm’s drone magazines work with the Ralar system to autonomously cycle drones through deployment, for persistent 24/7/365 coverage. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Cadillac has endured some persistent reliability issues and needs to surmount them. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing persistent

• persistent vegetative state

Rhymes for persistent

• assistant
• consistent
• existent
• insistent
• resistant
• subsistent
• coexistent
• equidistant
• inconsistent
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• distant

Kids Definition

persistent

adjective

per·​sis·​tent pər-ˈsis-tənt 

-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 

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