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

Example Sentences

"Jet A1 fuel is sourced via a major UK/global supplier from a diverse range of countries, helping maintain a dependable and resilient supply chain," they said.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Management expects innovative drugs will continue to drive resilient revenue growth with double-digit expansion for drug sales and business development income in 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Much of March's recovery was fueled by health care jobs, which have remained resilient even as labor demand has dropped in other sectors.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“Amanda was so resilient on the journey. She just never lost confidence in the project.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Children are particularly resilient when submerged in cold water.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Related Words

• buoyant
• strong
• supple
• tough
• volatile