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

“I think that that is a testament to just the resilience this team has and the determination they have to be a really great competitive team, no matter the circumstances,” McDonald said.

From Los Angeles Times

Managing employer stock is all about converting opportunity into resilience.

From MarketWatch

I got to where I am through so much struggle, resilience and tenacity.

From Los Angeles Times

Prass broke Bremen's resilience just before the break with an incredible long-range rocket.

From Barron's

In an interview, Ayhan Kose said the global economy has shown unexpected resilience in the face of a series of shocks, with the U.S. recording another year of surprisingly strong growth.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• flexibility