endurance
/ɪnˈdjʊər(ə)ns
/ /ɛnˈdjʊər(ə)ns / /ɪnˈdʒɔːr(ə)ns / /ɛnˈdʒɔːr(ə)ns /noun [mass noun]
1The ability to endure an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way: she was close to the limit of her endurance...
- The rally will be a real test of endurance, stamina and navigational skills.
- For a man like him, Antarctica represents the ultimate endurance test.
- A Swindon doctor and marathon runner looks set to finish the ultimate endurance test in the Sahara Desert.
Synonyms
toleration, bearing, tolerance, sufferance, fortitude, forbearance, patience, acceptance, resignation, stoicism
stamina, staying power, fortitude, perseverance, persistence, tenacity, pertinacity, doggedness, indefatigability, tirelessness, resoluteness, resolution, determination;
British Dunkirk spirit
informal stickability, guts, grit, spunk
British informal bottle
2The capacity of something to last or to withstand wear and tear.The commonly traveled path to improved cardiovascular function and increased muscular endurance is continuous, submaximal, steady state training....
- And to the greatest race of all time, were the endurance of the machine is as important as the skill of the driver.
- We're still improving a lot but we have a long way to go with the endurance of the tyre.
Synonyms
continuance, continuity, continuation, lasting power, durability, permanence, longevity;
constancy, stability, changelessness, immutability
rare lastingness, everlastingness
Origin
Late 15th century (in the sense 'continued existence, ability to last'; formerly also as indurance): from Old French, from endurer 'make hard' (see endure).