persistence

American  

[per-sis-tuhns, -zis-] / pərˈsɪs təns, -ˈzɪs- /

Often persistency

noun

1. the act or fact of persisting.

2. the quality of being persistent.

   You have persistence, I'll say that for you.

3. continued existence or occurrence.

   the persistence of smallpox.

4. the continuance of an effect after its cause is removed.

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persistence British  

/ pəˈsɪstəns /

noun

1. the quality of persisting; tenacity

2. the act of persisting; continued effort or existence

3. the continuance of an effect after the cause of it has stopped

   persistence of vision

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Related Words

See perseverance.

Other Word Forms

• nonpersistence noun
• nonpersistency noun

Etymology

Origin of persistence

First recorded in 1540–50; persist + -ence

Example Sentences

“The risks to the labor market and inflation both tilt in unfavorable directions, that is, toward a weaker labor market and a greater persistence of above-target inflation,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

One reason, Europe’s grandees increasingly agree, is the persistence of 27 separate regulatory frameworks for issuing and buying securities.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

So it’s possible other factors play a significant role in their persistence, such as length of day.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Scientists are concerned that this persistence may interfere with normal development, including the formation of healthy bones.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

The wonder was the depth of the girl’s rancor, her persistence with a story that saw him all the way to Wandsworth Prison.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

• endurance
• grit
• perseverance
• stamina
• tenacity