perseverance

American  

[pur-suh-veer-uhns] / ˌpɜr səˈvɪər əns /

noun

1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

   Synonyms:

   steadfastness, doggedness

2. Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

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perseverance British  

/ ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns /

noun

1. continued steady belief or efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty; persistence

2. Christianity persistence in remaining in a state of grace until death

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Usage

What does perseverance mean? Perseverance is the quality of those who persevere—continue to do or try to achieve something despite difficulty or discouragement. A close synonym is persistence. Perseverance can also refer to the act of persevering, as in Only through hard work and perseverance will we be able to achieve our goal—it will not be easy. The word is typically used in a positive way to refer to the quality of someone who doesn’t give up no matter what. A person who keeps trying despite major challenges and setbacks is said to show perseverance. Example: You showed great perseverance by recovering from your injury to compete at an even higher level.

Related Words

Perseverance, persistence, tenacity, pertinacity imply resolute and unyielding holding on in following a course of action. Perseverance commonly suggests activity maintained in spite of difficulties or steadfast and long-continued application: Endurance and perseverance combined to win in the end. It is regularly used in a favorable sense. Persistence, which may be used in either a favorable or an unfavorable sense, implies unremitting (and sometimes annoying) perseverance: persistence in a belief; persistence in talking when others wish to study. Tenacity, with the original meaning of adhesiveness, as of glue, is a dogged and determined holding on. Whether used literally or figuratively it has favorable implications: a bulldog quality of tenacity; the tenacity of one's memory. Pertinacity, unlike its related word, is used chiefly in an unfavorable sense, that of overinsistent tenacity: the pertinacity of the social climber.

Other Word Forms

• nonperseverance
  noun
• perseverant
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of perseverance

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English perseveraunce, from Middle French perseverance, from Latin persevērantia; see persevere, -ance

Explanation

Perseverance is not giving up. It is persistence and tenacity, the effort required to do something and keep doing it till the end, even if it's hard. Perseverance originally comes from the Latin perseverantia and means to abide by something strictly. This makes sense, because if you're doing something in spite of all the difficulty, you're being strict on yourself. Sailing around the world and climbing Mt. Everest are acts requiring perseverance. Even things like learning a new language require perseverance and daily practice.

Example Sentences

“Her perseverance and bravery are inspiring to the members of my office, and more importantly, to survivors everywhere.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

"The Yindjibarndi People's perseverance is an inspiration to other Traditional Owners who continue to fight for what they are owed," said Jamie Lowe, chief executive of the National Native Title Council.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

“I see perseverance in there, and I see chasing dreams, and I see kids chasing after somebody who’s chasing their dreams as well.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

"Those early years were bit parts, chorus lines, lots of rejection... but my dear dad always reminded me that perseverance furthers, that was his motto."

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

This is about perseverance, not about Luke Messenger, who she will likely never see again.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Related Words

• dedication
• determination
• endurance
• grit
• moxie
• persistence
• spunk
• stamina
• steadfastness
• tenacity