persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
| \ pər-ˈsi-stənt
, -ˈzi-\
, -ˈzi-\
Definition of persistent
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
2a
: 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
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Synonyms for persistent
Synonyms
dogged, insistent, patient, persevering, pertinacious, tenacious
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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Garrett Richards, who was one of the game’s better starters the past five seasons despite persistent arm issues that ultimately led to Tommy John surgery last July, is expected to make his Padres debut by September. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Analysis: Andy Green’s status among Padres storylines to watch over final third of season," 2 Aug. 2019 But on Tuesday the focus was on ideology, and the rifts were persistent. — Alexander Burns, New York Times, "Sanders and Warren Battle Accusations of ‘Fairy Tale’ Promises as Intraparty Rift Flares," 30 July 2019 Mom might have been engrossed in her book, but Nana was persistent. — Alison Fields, Longreads, "On, In, or Near the Sea: A Book List," 25 July 2019 For environmentalists, plastic straws have become a potent symbol for the toxic and persistent scourge of single-use plastic—an everyday item that can be easily eliminated from use, not unlike the plastic bag. — Jenni Avins, Quartz, "Donald Trump’s latest weapon in the culture wars: a red plastic straw," 20 July 2019 Apricot in color, with a persistent but thin head, this triple IPA weaves together berry, peach and vanilla flavors over a firm malt base. — Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, "On Independence Day, local award-winners celebrate the freedom to homebrew," 1 July 2019 However persistent the financial effects of the recession may be, the psychological effects fade even more slowly. — Lydia Depillis, CNN, "10 years later, America's booming economy still bears scars of the Great Recession," 24 June 2019 These effects would be persistent, as opposed to the one-time sugar high produced by the Republican tax cut of 2017, the benefits of which (mostly to the top 1%) already are fading. — Michael Hiltzik, latimes.com, "Eliminating student debt would be a terrific economic stimulus program," 24 June 2019 Gloria Steinem was a leader of the women’s rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s, and was persistent in reporting on political campaigns and social issues. — Marlena Scott, Teen Vogue, "The History of the Equal Rights Amendment, Explained," 22 Mar. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'persistent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for persistent
persistent
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of persistent
: continuing to do something or to try to do something even though it is difficult or other people want you to stop
: continuing beyond the usual, expected, or normal time : not stopping or going away
See the full definition for persistent in the English Language Learners Dictionary
persistent
adjective
per·sist·ent
| \ pər-ˈsi-stənt
\
\
Kids Definition of persistent
: continuing to act or exist longer than usual
a persistent cold
persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
| \ -tənt
\
\
Medical Definition of persistent
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