persistence
Americannoun
-
the act or fact of persisting.
-
the quality of being persistent.
You have persistence, I'll say that for you.
-
continued existence or occurrence.
the persistence of smallpox.
-
the continuance of an effect after its cause is removed.
noun
-
the quality of persisting; tenacity
-
the act of persisting; continued effort or existence
-
the continuance of an effect after the cause of it has stopped
persistence of vision
Synonym Usage
See perseverance.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of persistence
Explanation
Persistence is the ability to stick with something. If you practice the violin for over a year in order to play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" perfectly, that's persistence! Persistence can also mean something that lasts for a very long time. The persistence of bullying, despite years of efforts by the school, has frustrated many parents. Bed bugs are known for their persistence. Despite near eradication in the 1950s, they are back and harder to eliminate than ever.
Vocabulary lists containing persistence
"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Where the Red Fern Grows
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
30 GRE Words Beginning with "P"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
“The persistence of the company’s proposal to close and sell the Brampton plant has hindered the bargaining process,” Unifor said, adding that talks have reached an impasse and are now paused.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
"It shows both the persistence and change of traditions over time."
From Science Daily ● Aug. 22, 2026
During extended chats with the UK media, one journalist asked, pointedly and with persistence, about realistic targets for the season ahead and questioned the club's willingness to spend enough to achieve them.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
This reflected "the exceptional persistence of heat" so far this summer, Copernicus said.
From Barron's ● Aug. 10, 2026
His persistence in the face of mulishness was astounding.
From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath
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.
