tenacity
Americannoun
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the quality of being tenacious, or of holding fast; persistence.
the amazing tenacity of rumors.
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the quality of retaining something.
the tenacity of memory.
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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"
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The Bluest Eye
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The Help
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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.
But its army has maintained a core of hardened soldiers who have continued to fight throughout the war, surprising even Ukraine’s foreign critics with their tenacity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 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
That leaves an opening for Robinson, whose desirable attributes include his height and tenacity, to return to the fold as England's attack leader.
From BBC • May 4, 2026
Jones’ film is a palatable, pleasing story of tenacity in the face of marginalization.
From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026
“What, did you think you were going to get rid of me that easily? You should know by now—I’ve got the tenacity of a cockroach.”
From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia
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.
