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Definition of persistent

persistent

/pɚˈsɪs.tənt/
per · sis · tent
Adverb:persistently
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persistent Lexical Profile

persistent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty, opposition, or failure.

Example

"Her persistent efforts to master the language paid off when she was offered a position in Madrid."

2

Continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period, often in an undesirable or troublesome way.

Example

"The patient sought medical advice for a persistent cough that had lasted for over three weeks."

3

In computing, designating data or state information that remains stored in non-volatile memory after the program or device that created it has been closed or powered off.

Example

"The application uses persistent storage so users do not lose their preferences when restarting their phones."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for persistent

• Nearby Words

persist
persistence
persistency
persistent
persistently
persnickety
person

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin persistentem, the present participle of persistere ('to continue steadfastly'), formed from per- ('thoroughly') and sistere ('to come to stand').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Persistent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/persistent
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