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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

“This agreement with Boeing is a direct reflection that speed, volume, and a resilient supply chain are paramount,” said Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Cost pass-through sectors such as steel, packaging and gloves may remain resilient, while construction could see near-term margin pressure, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Meanwhile, the U.S. economy remains robust and resilient, and provides the chance for significant diversification.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

The community was highly spirited and resilient, despite the storm damage.

From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake

Related Words

• buoyant
• strong
• supple
• tough
• volatile