tenacity
Americannoun
-
the quality of being tenacious, or of holding fast; persistence.
the amazing tenacity of rumors.
-
the quality of retaining something.
the tenacity of memory.
-
the quality or property of holding together firmly.
testing the tenacity of the old book's binding.
Synonym Usage
See perseverance.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of tenacity
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin tenācitās equivalent to tenāc- (stem of tenāx ) “holding fast,” derivative of tenēre “to hold” + -itās -ity ( def. )
Explanation
Most people will tell you that tenacity is a great quality to have, especially if you're trying something challenging that takes a while to complete. Odds are, the people you admire have shown real tenacity in achieving their goals. Anything really worth doing takes persistence, perseverance, and stubborn determination. Being a great baseball player requires real gifts, no doubt, but even the most gifted player won't make it to the big leagues without the tenacity required to make the long, hard journey up from the minors. Tenacity is the quality displayed by someone who just won't quit — who keeps trying until they reach their goal.
Vocabulary lists containing tenacity
100 SAT Words Beginning with "T"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Bluest Eye
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Help
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Washed up on a rock in the Atlantic after a naval disaster, Christopher Martin clings to life with ferocious tenacity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
During his 55-minute chat with Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, Stefanovic said he admired his "tenacity" and "courage" in "trying to stand up for what you believe is right".
From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026
“What struck me in researching this book was the perseverance, fortitude and tenacity that these families show. So many people would have thrown up their hands and given up,” Butts said.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 8, 2026
“Live by two words: tenacity and gratitude. Tenacity will get you where you want to go, and gratitude will make you enjoy the journey, no matter how bumpy.”
From Salon ● May 16, 2026
Her tenacity and size were backed up by resourcefulness and creativity.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
