persistence

Often per·sist·en·cy

[per-sis-tuhns, -zis-]

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.

persistence

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• nonpersistence noun
• nonpersistency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of persistence¹

First recorded in 1540–50; persist + -ence

Synonym Study

See perseverance.

Example Sentences

“Consumers remain frustrated about the persistence of high prices and weakening incomes,” said Joanne Hsu, director of the university’s Surveys of Consumers, in commentary about the index on the school’s website.

Read more on MarketWatch

It’s really been the persistence of the survivors, saying people really need to look at this.

Read more on Salon

The 26-year-old's progress came through persistence rather than immediate results, and she now inspires visually impaired girls in her village to play sports.

Read more on BBC

Whether developing habits, finding new hobbies or digging out from a bottomless pit of emails, change is hard—and requires a mindset shift as well as persistence.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She has maintained that her family’s persistence was never about the money but about holding Simpson accountable.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• endurance 
• grit 
• perseverance 
• stamina 
• tenacity