tenacity
Americannoun
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the quality of being tenacious, or of holding fast; persistence.
the amazing tenacity of rumors.
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the quality of retaining something.
the tenacity of memory.
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the quality or property of holding together firmly.
testing the tenacity of the old book's binding.
Synonym Usage
See perseverance.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of tenacity
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin tenācitās equivalent to tenāc- (stem of tenāx ) “holding fast,” derivative of tenēre “to hold” + -itās -ity ( def. )
Explanation
Most people will tell you that tenacity is a great quality to have, especially if you're trying something challenging that takes a while to complete. Odds are, the people you admire have shown real tenacity in achieving their goals. Anything really worth doing takes persistence, perseverance, and stubborn determination. Being a great baseball player requires real gifts, no doubt, but even the most gifted player won't make it to the big leagues without the tenacity required to make the long, hard journey up from the minors. Tenacity is the quality displayed by someone who just won't quit — who keeps trying until they reach their goal.
Vocabulary lists containing tenacity
100 SAT Words Beginning with "T"
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The Bluest Eye
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The Help
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Live by two words: tenacity and gratitude. Tenacity will get you where you want to go, and gratitude will make you enjoy the journey, no matter how bumpy.”
From Salon • May 16, 2026
Tenacity runs deep in some of the world’s most isolated nations.
From BBC • Sep. 8, 2024
Tenacity is one reason, good management is another, and financial wisdom is up there, too.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 27, 2018
Tenacity, self-confidence, determination and commitment are the qualities invariably revealed when you scratch the surface of stardom, showbiz or otherwise.
From The Guardian • May 21, 2017
Tenacity: Iron is the most tenacious of metals.
From Tin Foil and Its Combinations for Filling Teeth by Ambler, Henry Lovejoy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
