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.
The mission follows an earlier Sceye endurance flight that traveled more than 6,214 miles from New Mexico toward Brazil. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 The film’s length could paradoxically work in its favor, too, rewarding those who soldier through its four-hour run time with a badge of endurance, not to mention cocktail party cred. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 That brings us to the Gemini 5 mission, which NASA envisioned as an endurance test to prove that astronauts could survive for eight days on a long trip to the moon and back. Tariq Malik, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Whereas barre is more lower-body endurance and fall prevention training. Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 29 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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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