endurance

[en-door-uhns, -dyoor-]

noun

1. the fact or power of enduring or bearing pain, hardships, etc.

2. the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina.

   He has amazing physical endurance.

3. lasting quality; duration.

   His friendships have little endurance.

4. something endured, as a hardship; trial.

endurance

/ ɪnˈdjʊərəns /

noun

1. the capacity, state, or an instance of enduring

2. something endured; a hardship, strain, or privation

Word History and Origins

Origin of endurance¹

First recorded in 1485–95; endure + -ance

Synonym Study

See patience.

Example Sentences

Riding Amtrak’s California Zephyr route, it turns out, is equal parts sightseeing extravaganza and endurance test.

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But his athletic, endurance game came good, with a galloping break near the end earning the territory from which Slade went over.

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The parents of a nine-month-old baby who died after choking at nursery say after four years of "unimaginable pain, perseverance and emotional endurance" they are glad to have reached a financial settlement.

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There’s a reason why I can never beat Autumn in one-on-one basketball; my endurance is, and has always been, embarrassingly low.

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“Under no circumstances am I to be disturbed,” he announced, “for I am hungry beyond endurance, and I require absolute silence to gain the full enjoyment of my meal.”

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Related Words

• ability 
• capacity 
• courage 
• fortitude 
• grit 
• mettle 
• patience 
• perseverance 
• persistence 
• stamina 
• strength 
• tenacity 
• tolerance 
• vitality