steadfastness

American  

[sted-fast-nuhs, -fuhst-] / ˈstɛdˌfæst nəs, -fəst- /

noun

1. firmness in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc..

   There can be no doubt about the courage and steadfastness with which these three martyrs faced trial and death.

2. the fact or quality of being fixed or steady in direction or position.

   The lift of her chin, the cadence of her words, the steadfastness of her gaze—all denote the strength and grace of a matriarch.

3. the fact or quality of being firmly established, as an institution or state of affairs.

   The conduct of the elections during this national disaster was a testament to the steadfastness of our democracy.

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Other Word Forms

• oversteadfastness
  noun
• unsteadfastness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of steadfastness

steadfast ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

steadfastness

At the end of the day, fundamentals are stronger than fears—and patient investors will ultimately reap the rewards for steadfastness.

From Barron's ● May 8, 2026

Over the course of 18 months, Mr. Landsbergis’s courage and steadfastness to settle for nothing short of full independence set in motion something neither President George H.W.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 24, 2026

The author argues that contemporary American business and government leaders are fundamentally characterized by an absence of character, which the author defines as steadfastness, selflessness, self-sacrifice, honesty, and integrity in dealings with others.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 19, 2026

Empowered by steadfastness and a shared devotion to rock ‘n’ roll — and to each other — the duo parlayed their stint with Fritz into a bona fide record contract with Polydor.

From Salon ● Sep. 19, 2025

I thank the civil population for their steadfastness and courage in the face of overwhelming odds and starvation.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• constancy
• faithfulness