endurance

noun

en·​dur·​ance in-ˈdu̇r-ən(t)s 

-ˈdyu̇r-, 

en-

1

: the ability to withstand hardship or adversity

especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity

a marathon runner's endurance

2

: the act or an instance of enduring or suffering

endurance of many hardships

3

: permanence, duration

the endurance of the play's importance

Synonyms of endurance

• continuity
• continuation
• persistence
• continuance
• continuousness

Examples of endurance in a Sentence

The exercise program is designed to increase both strength and endurance.

the endurance of his love for his wife was not arrested even by her death

Recent Examples on the Web

Mohammadi’s place within that landscape is distinct due to her unique kind of legitimacy at a time when many Iranians are searching not only for opposition to the regime, but for a figure who embodies endurance under it. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026

For many women of color, the slick-back bun was, and is, a perfect intersection of elegance and endurance. —Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 28 Apr. 2026

If sprinters on steroids was the cliché of the 1980s, blood-doping endurance athletes has become a similarly familiar trope. —Alex Hutchinson, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026

Manning noted that this proves Envoy is well-suited for long missions where endurance matters. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing endurance

• beyond endurance

Kids Definition

endurance

noun

en·​dur·​ance in-ˈd(y)u̇r-ən(t)s 

1

: the quality of lasting or of being permanent

2

: the ability to withstand hardship, adversity, or stress

athletes need to develop endurance

3

: suffering sense 1

endurance of many hardships