resilience

American  

[ri-zil-yuhns, -zil-ee-uhns] / rɪˈzɪl yəns, -ˈzɪl i əns /

Also resiliency

noun

1. the power or ability of a material to return to its original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched; elasticity.

2. the ability of a person to adjust to or recover readily from illness, adversity, major life changes, etc.; buoyancy.

3. the ability of a system or organization to respond to or recover readily from a crisis, disruptive process, etc..

   Cities can build resilience to climate change by investing in infrastructure.

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Other Word Forms

• nonresilience noun
• nonresiliency noun

Etymology

Origin of resilience

First recorded in 1620–30; resili(ent) + -ence

Example Sentences

"Emerging evidence shows that exposure to diverse environmental microbiomes and natural biochemical products also promotes health and resilience," says Dr. Robinson.

From Science Daily

Under former central banker Mark Carney’s influence on Canadian economic policy, the emphasis has been less on expanding production at any cost and more on improving market access, pricing resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

From Barron's

Many retirees can strengthen their financial resilience by supplementing Social Security benefits with an additional income annuity.

From The Wall Street Journal

On the streaming side, The Great Shamsuddin Family has been praised for capturing the everyday resilience and complexities of modern Muslim women.

From BBC

Behind that resilience is a strong family bond, and Dolan says leaving them was one of the hardest parts of his decision to join Espanyol.

From BBC

Related Words

• flexibility