persevering

American  

[pur-suh-veer-ing] / ˌpɜr səˈvɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. displaying perseverance; resolutely persistent; steadfast.

   a persevering student.

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Usage

What does persevering mean? Persevering is used to describe people who persevere—continue to do or try to achieve something despite difficulty or discouragement. A close synonym is persistent. Persevering can also be used to describe the efforts of such people. The word is typically used in a positive way to describe people who don’t give up no matter what. A persevering person keeps trying despite major challenges and setbacks. Persevering is also the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb persevere. People who are persevering are said to show perseverance, which is the quality of those who persevere, as in You showed great perseverance by recovering from your injury to compete at an even higher level. Example: Despite the many challenges they faced, our persevering students managed to finish what they started.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonpersevering
  adjective
• perseveringly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of persevering

First recorded in 1640–50; persevere + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Shoshana Bean’s win for her featured performance as a persevering single mom, is a testament to the musical’s capacious heart.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

She says it was a "pinch me" moment seeing her name next to the likes of Lady Gaga - something she says feels like a sign she should "keep persevering".

From BBC • May 1, 2026

If you’re suffering from the persevering cold and in need of some cooking inspiration, fret not.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

But, wrote Clough "something told me he was worth persevering with".

From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025

Maybe, in addition to being tired of imposing and persevering, I was also tired of keeping my mouth shut.

From "Louisiana's Way Home" by Kate DiCamillo