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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• nonsurvival noun

Etymology

Origin of survival

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

Example Sentences

“It was an all-boys school and quite a competitive place, so there was an element of survival in that,” Parsons says over Zoom.

From Los Angeles Times

A 2025 study found that Sloths' slow, treetop lives may be key to their survival.

From BBC

He said quick treatment was essential to increase the chances of survival and to avoid life-changing disabilities, such as loss of limbs, blindness and brain injury.

From BBC

“Fixing Copilot is key to survival,” the analysts write.

From The Wall Street Journal

This mixing of species could threaten the genetic integrity and long-term survival of these newly recognized bass.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• continuity
• durability
• endurance