survival

noun

sur·​viv·​al sər-ˈvī-vəl How to pronounce survival (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: the act or fact of living or continuing longer than another person or thing
b
: the continuation of life or existence
problems of survival in arctic conditions
2
: one that survives

Examples of survival in a Sentence

The refugees depend on foreign aid for their survival. Small businesses are fighting for survival. the survival of an old folktale
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 remote-handling test platform system is designed to work in extreme environments with high heat, strong magnetic fields, and intense radiation—conditions in which human survival is impossible. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025 With Antonio de la Torre and Bárbara Lennie toplining, the Spain–France co-production mixes survival drama with social point. Callum McLennan, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025 The brutal deaths sent shockwaves across the popular tourist destination as officials cautioned residents that Decker — an Army veteran skilled in wilderness survival — should be considered dangerous. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025 Creative freedom versus political survival. Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for survival

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of survival was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Survival.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/survival. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

survival

noun
sur·​viv·​al sər-ˈvī-vəl How to pronounce survival (audio)
1
: the act or fact of living or continuing longer than another person or thing
survival of half the population after the epidemic
2
: a continuation of life despite difficult conditions
skills for survival in the desert
3
: one that survives
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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