Tenacity: meaning, definitions and examples

This word describes someone who holds on firmly to their goals and does not give up easily, often in challenging or difficult situations.

• Her tenacity in finding a solution inspired the entire team
• His tenacity kept him fighting through the toughest of times

Indicates a continuous effort or action over time, often in the face of repeated challenges or rejections.

• Persistence is key in sales, as one must often face many rejections before a successful deal
• Her persistence paid off when she finally secured the job she wanted

Describes continued effort to achieve something despite difficulties, failures, or opposition, highlighting the aspect of enduring over time.

• His perseverance enabled him to learn the difficult instrument
• She showed great perseverance in overcoming the obstacles in her career

Used when talking about a strong will to achieve something, emphasizing resolve and firmness of purpose.

• With sheer determination, he completed the marathon despite an injury
• Her determination to excel in her studies was clear to everyone

Use 'tenacity' to describe someone's determination and persistence, especially when facing difficulty or opposition.

• Her tenacity in pursuing her dreams despite numerous setbacks was truly inspiring

Use 'tensile strength' in a scientific or engineering context to describe the maximum stress that a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking.

• The tensile strength of this steel makes it ideal for constructing high-rise buildings

Use 'resilience' to describe the ability of a person, community, or system to recover quickly from difficulties or adapt to change.

• The community showed incredible resilience in rebuilding their homes after the hurricane

Use 'durability' when referring to the ability of an object or material to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.

• The durability of this watch is remarkable; it can last for years without any issues