persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
pər-ˈsi-stənt 
-ˈzi-
1
: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such as
a
: retained beyond the usual period
a persistent leaf
b
: continuing without change in function or structure
persistent gills
c
: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
d
: degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
e
: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
a
: continuing or inclined to persist in a course
b
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
persistently
adverb
Examples of persistent in a Sentence
Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist.
—
Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power.
—Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since.
—Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman.
He is one of the government's most persistent critics.
She has been persistent in pursuing the job.
He has been fighting a persistent cold.
Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.
Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power.
—Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since.
—Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman.
He is one of the government's most persistent critics.
She has been persistent in pursuing the job.
He has been fighting a persistent cold.
Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.
Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
Recent Examples on the Web
Declining growth in the fashion division and the Asia-Japan geography seems to be a common denominator for both luxury groups, but these results signal a downturn that is persistent and increasingly difficult to dismiss, likely hinting to a deeper issue.
—Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
The persistent low percentages of Black and Indigenous students at UT and the hyper-partisan politics at the state and federal levels add importance and a sense of sacredness to this community that Adeeko and others want to protect.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
The clinical definition of social anxiety disorder is a persistent, overwhelming fear (not just discomfort) of being judged by others—intense enough to interfere with your work, school, or relationships.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 28 July 2025
However, these gains are offset by persistent undersupply when compared with the pre-pandemic market, and price cuts became more common, with nearly 21% of listings experiencing downward adjustments—the highest June share since 2016.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for persistent
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.
Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
The persistent low percentages of Black and Indigenous students at UT and the hyper-partisan politics at the state and federal levels add importance and a sense of sacredness to this community that Adeeko and others want to protect.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
The clinical definition of social anxiety disorder is a persistent, overwhelming fear (not just discomfort) of being judged by others—intense enough to interfere with your work, school, or relationships.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 28 July 2025
However, these gains are offset by persistent undersupply when compared with the pre-pandemic market, and price cuts became more common, with nearly 21% of listings experiencing downward adjustments—the highest June share since 2016.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for persistent
Cite this Entry
“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persistent. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
pər-ˈsis-tənt
-ˈzis-
1
: continuing, existing, or acting for a long or longer than usual time
a persistent cold
persistent gills
2
: stubbornly determined
persistently
adverb
Medical Definition
persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
-tənt
1
: existing or continuing for a long time: as
a
: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
b
: degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
c
: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share