survival

American  

[ser-vahy-vuhl] / sərˈvaɪ vəl /

noun

1. the act or fact of surviving, especially under adverse or unusual circumstances.

2. a person or thing that survives or endures, especially an ancient custom, observance, belief, or the like.

3. Anthropology. (no longer in technical use) the persistence of a cultural trait, practice, or the like long after it has lost its original meaning or usefulness.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or for use in surviving, especially under adverse or unusual circumstances.

   survival techniques.

survival British  

/ səˈvaɪvəl /

noun

1. a person or thing that survives, such as a custom

2. 1. the act or fact of surviving or condition of having survived

   2. ( as modifier )

      survival kit

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Other Word Forms

• nonsurvival noun

Etymology

Origin of survival

First recorded in 1590–1600; survive + -al ²

Example Sentences

Because iron is essential for survival, this process may represent a critical vulnerability.

From Science Daily

Owners and patrons alike are fighting for its survival.

From Los Angeles Times

Ceralasertib targets a protein that is crucial for DNA damage responses and cell survival to treat tumors in combination with other drugs that enhance the body’s immune response.

From The Wall Street Journal

He credited Browne in particular with teaching him many of the survival tricks that would keep him alive in war zones over the next 40 years.

From Los Angeles Times

Researchers at the University of Navarra in Spain have created RNACOREX, an open-source software platform designed to identify gene regulation networks linked to cancer survival.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• continuity
• durability
• endurance