resilient

American  

[ri-zil-yuhnt, -zil-ee-uhnt] / rɪˈzɪl yənt, -ˈzɪl i ənt /

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.

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resilient British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of resilient

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

Explanation

When something is strong and able to recover from damage quickly, call it resilient. If you're rough on your toys, the ones that don't break are resilient. Formed from the Latin verb resilire, "to leap back," a resilient person is able to recover from an illness or a bad experience quickly. Politicians who are resilient to media criticism do not let critical journalists affect their focus, performance, or relationship to their constituents. An object that is bent or stretched and returns to its original shape quickly is also resilient.

Example Sentences

Having rebounded from a franchise-worst 6-21 start to earn the next-to-last berth in the NBA play-in tournament, coach Tyronn Lue’s resilient bunch could not extend its historic comeback on its home floor.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

“We delivered record lease signings of 64 million square feet in our logistics business this quarter, reflecting the strength of our platform and resilient customer demand,” said Chief Executive Daniel Letter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Some people had argued there had been over-regulation of the financial system, he added, but that his view was that "success is when nothing happens and it is resilient".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

If AI drives meaningful efficiency gains, it can fuel stronger growth, bigger margins and a more resilient economy.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

Either that, or the spirits that possessed the boys had also made them extra resilient.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• buoyant
• strong
• supple
• tough
• volatile