resilient

[ri-zil-yuhnt, -zil-ee-uhnt]

adjective

1. springing back; rebounding.

   Synonyms: springy, flexible, elastic

2. returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched.

3. recovering readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyant.

resilient

/ rɪˈzɪlɪənt /

adjective

1. (of an object or material) capable of regaining its original shape or position after bending, stretching, compression, or other deformation; elastic

2. (of a person) recovering easily and quickly from shock, illness, hardship, etc; irrepressible

Other Word Forms

• resiliently adverb
• nonresilient adjective
• nonresiliently adverb
• unresilient adjective
• unresiliently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of resilient¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin resilient-, stem of resiliēns, present participle of resilīre “to spring back,” equivalent to re- re- + -sil-, combining form of salīre “to leap, jump”; salient

Example Sentences

The outlook is supported by resilient demand from new-generation smartphone launches, a major North American customer’s strong shipment guidance for December and ongoing expansion of capabilities for complex radio frequency modules, he says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

New research has identified a straightforward and environmentally friendly way to decompose Teflon, one of the most resilient plastics in use today, and convert it into valuable chemical ingredients.

Read more on Science Daily

The goal, it says, “is to protect sensitive natural and cultural resources, support healthy and fire resilient ecosystems, reduce risk to public safety, and build effective communication between State Parks and response agencies.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Consumer spending weakened nationally, with declines in retail and discretionary categories, though high-end retail remained resilient.

Read more on Barron's

Consumer spending weakened nationally, with declines in retail and discretionary categories, though high-end retail remained resilient.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• buoyant 
• strong 
• supple 
• tough 
• volatile