endurance

noun

en·​dur·​ance in-ˈdu̇r-ən(t)s How to pronounce endurance (audio)
-ˈdyu̇r-, 
en-
Synonyms of endurance
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On Monday, the 33-year-old endurance swimmer emerged from the water after crossing the latitude of the California-Mexico border and became the first person to swim the length of California. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 For Schepp and Frost, the Frankfurt Kitchen’s value is wrapped up in its endurance. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026 Two very different odysseys collide in a story about endurance, privilege, and our shared humanity. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026 Those details will help establish what the latest milestone demonstrates about endurance. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for endurance

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of endurance was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Endurance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endurance. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

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
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