persistent

American  

[per-sis-tuhnt, -zis-] / pərˈsɪs tənt, -ˈzɪs- /

adjective

1. persisting, especially in spite of opposition, obstacles, discouragement, etc.; persevering.

   a most annoyingly persistent young man.

   Synonyms:

   tenacious, pertinacious, indefatigable

2. lasting or enduring tenaciously.

   the persistent aroma of verbena; a persistent cough.

3. constantly repeated; continued.

   persistent noise.

   Synonyms:

   steady, constant

   Antonyms:

   sporadic

4. Biology.

   1. continuing or permanent.

   2. having continuity of phylogenetic characteristics.

5. Botany. remaining attached beyond the usual time, as flowers, flower parts, or leaves.

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persistent British  

/ pəˈsɪstənt /

adjective

1. showing persistence

2. incessantly repeated; unrelenting

   your persistent questioning

3. (of plant parts) remaining attached to the plant after the normal time of withering

   a fruit surrounded by a persistent perianth

4. zoology

   1. (of parts normally present only in young stages) present in the adult

      persistent gills in axolotls

   2. continuing to grow or develop after the normal period of growth

      persistent teeth

5. (of a chemical, esp when used as an insecticide) slow to break down; not easily degradable

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Related Words

See stubborn.

Other Word Forms

• nonpersistent adjective
• nonpersistently adverb
• persistently adverb

Etymology

Origin of persistent

First recorded in 1820–30; from Latin persistent- (stem of persistēns ), present participle of persistere “to stand firm, persist”; see persist, -ent

Explanation

If something is persistent, it just won't stop. If you're persistent in your suggestions for a trip to Mexico, maybe your parents will eventually give in and take you there. Persistent comes from the Latin verb persistere which means "to continue with strength." A persistent salesman refuses to give up. A persistent ringing sound is one that repeats and repeats. Persistent rumors keep circulating, as does a persistent virus. Often something persistent is annoying. The related verb is persist, which means to continue to exist, or to go without stopping.

Example Sentences

However, progress has been slowed by a persistent challenge.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

"A dedicated broadcast slot for women's football would provide consistent coverage, grow audiences and challenge persistent gender stereotypes."

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

I developed persistent acne throughout high school and college, the kind that doesn’t respond to anything and nobody can explain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

But truly persistent stagflation is actually quite rare.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

Although Blaine was used to persistent office seekers, he became annoyed by this man who was wasting both his and the State Department's time.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

Related Words

• constant
• continual
• endless
• enduring
• incessant
• insistent
• perpetual
• relentless
• repeated
• resolute
• steadfast
• steady
• stubborn
• tenacious
• unrelenting
• unremitting