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

Before their crucial win against Nottingham Forest, boss Daniel Farke said he expected four more victories would seal his side's Premier League survival.

From BBC

The U.S. could further squeeze Cuba by cutting off remittances, crucial to the island’s economic survival.

From The Wall Street Journal

In this disease, tumors with more Treg cells are often associated with longer survival.

From Science Daily

You have to think of it as part of your country’s survival system.

From The Wall Street Journal

Scientists already know that fishing gear, pollution, and ship strikes threaten their survival.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• continuity
• durability
• endurance