endurance
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the ability to keep doing something difficult or painful for a long time.
the capacity of an individual to sustain a physical or mental effort over a prolonged period.
Simple“Running a marathon requires incredible physical endurance and a strong mind.”
In context“The athletes underwent rigorous testing to measure their muscular endurance before the start of the competitive season.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the power to deal with a difficult situation without giving up.
the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; often used in the context of emotional or psychological resilience.
Simple“The long delay at the airport tested the endurance of all the passengers.”
In context“The negotiator's endurance was tested by hours of circular arguments and increasingly hostile demands from the opposing side.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the amount of time a ship or plane can travel before it runs out of fuel or food.
the maximum period or distance a vessel, aircraft, or vehicle can operate without being resupplied.
Simple“The ship has an endurance of thirty days at sea before it needs more food.”
In context“Engineers focused on improving the battery's endurance to ensure the drone could complete its surveillance mission without returning to base.”
UsageOften used in military or nautical contexts regarding fuel or rations.
“Reader, this experience felt like an endurance test before that song had reached the end of its first cycle.”
“They were often endurance challenges, which began when he was taking a BTec course in sport and development at Merton college in Morden, south London.”
First attested in the late 15th century. From Middle French endurance, from Old French endurance. Morphologically endure + -ance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.