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
Synonyms
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
Interest rates and the overall investment climate The persistent elevation of interest rates has reshaped the investment landscape, forcing companies to rethink growth strategies over the past years.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
The persistent decline in China’s 10-year government bond yield — to record lows around 1.58% this month— prompted the People’s Bank of China on Jan. 10 to stop its government bond purchases .
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2025
Though injuries have been a persistent issue for Boston this season, Tatum has been one of its most durable players, appearing in 38 of the team’s first 41 games.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2025
Other than storms, tide changes, and temperature shifts, boat owners are daunted with borers – small, persistent water-dwelling worms that chip away at the dock piling wood, resulting in skewed or collapsed structures.
—Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for persistent 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
The persistent decline in China’s 10-year government bond yield — to record lows around 1.58% this month— prompted the People’s Bank of China on Jan. 10 to stop its government bond purchases .
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2025
Though injuries have been a persistent issue for Boston this season, Tatum has been one of its most durable players, appearing in 38 of the team’s first 41 games.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2025
Other than storms, tide changes, and temperature shifts, boat owners are daunted with borers – small, persistent water-dwelling worms that chip away at the dock piling wood, resulting in skewed or collapsed structures.
—Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for persistent
Dictionary Entries Near persistent
Cite this Entry
“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persistent. Accessed 23 Jan. 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
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