tenacity

[ tuh-nas-i-tee ]

noun

1. the quality of being tenacious, or of holding fast; persistence:

   the amazing tenacity of rumors.

2. the quality of retaining something:

   the tenacity of memory.

3. the quality or property of holding together firmly:

   testing the tenacity of the old book's binding.

Other Words From

• over·te·naci·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenacity¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin tenācitās equivalent to tenāc- (stem of tenāx ) “holding fast,” derivative of tenēre “to hold” + -itās -ity ( def )

Synonym Study

See perseverance.

Example Sentences

He was a hard worker, he was ethical … As a result of his tenacity and spirit, he was able to shepherd vitally important legislation to the Senate floor, through the House, and to the governor for signature.

From Washington Blade

His coaching philosophy was built on understanding his players, then finding the right blend of talent and tenacity to build a winning team.

From Washington Post

So I think tenacity is one thing, but wearing them down is another.

From Washington Blade

Whatever the strategy, or lack of one, Musk’s drive for creative undertakings is relentless, and he seems to approach virtually everything in his life with the same level of tenacity, whether he’s right or wrong.

From Fortune

In the intervening months since the pandemic took hold, the industry has repeatedly demonstrated its tenacity.

From Digiday

Part of this tenacity, says McDaniel, seems born of his own struggle.

From The Daily Beast

Kim approached her career with tenacity and sincerity; any sort of coolness, remove, or privacy was not a luxury she could afford.

From The Daily Beast

Duran believe that patience and tenacity helped things progress this far and they will be required in order for continued success.

From The Daily Beast

Sometimes this tenacity breaks its bounds, spilling into the primitive.

From The Daily Beast

Harding attacked her routines with a resilience and tenacity that reflected her training and upbringing.

From The Daily Beast

He repairs to it with eagerness, and clings to it with a tenacity that time cannot relax, nor all the agonies of death dissolve.

From Project Gutenberg

From six in the evening till twelve next day the grenadiers fought with stubborn tenacity.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides, he was willing to admit that there were excuses for Cassidy, and there was a certain quiet tenacity in him.

From Project Gutenberg

Structural wrought iron has a tenacity of 20 to 22 tons per sq. in.

From Project Gutenberg

And he pursued his thought with the tenacity of the drunkard, who concentrates upon one idea all the lucidity of mind left to him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• chutzpah
• courage
• determination
• firmness
• grit
• guts
• perseverance
• persistence
• spunk
• steadfastness