# persistent

/pɝˈsɪstənt/ (US) · /pəsˈɪstənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/persistent
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. refusing to give up

adjective · CEFR B2

refusing to give up or stop, even when something is difficult or people tell you to quit.

For teachers: continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.

- The persistent salesman kept calling even after I told him I wasn't interested.
- Despite numerous rejections from major publishers, the persistent author continued to refine her manuscript until she finally secured a contract.

### 2. continuing for a long time

adjective · CEFR B2

lasting for a long time or happening again and again, especially in an annoying way.

For teachers: existing or recurring over a prolonged period; often used to describe unpleasant conditions or symptoms.

- She went to the doctor because of a persistent cough that wouldn't go away.
- The region has suffered from persistent unemployment for over a decade, leading to significant social unrest and migration.

### 3. stored data

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describing information that stays on a computer even after the power is turned off or a program is closed.

For teachers: relating to data or a state that survives the process that created it; not stored in volatile memory.

- The app uses a persistent database so your settings are saved for next time.
- Developers must decide which user preferences require persistent storage and which can be discarded once the session terminates.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies, such as 'persistent storage' or 'persistent cookies'.

### 4. remaining attached

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describing parts of a plant, like leaves or scales, that stay attached instead of falling off naturally.

For teachers: remaining attached to the plant after the expected time of falling off or after the surrounding parts have withered.

- Some oak trees are known for their persistent leaves that stay brown on the branches all winter.
- The persistent calyx remains on the fruit long after the petals have fallen, providing a key feature for species identification.

## Examples

- She is very persistent and never gives up on her goals.
- The patient visited the clinic again because of a persistent cough that had lasted for three weeks.
- Despite numerous rejections from major publishers, the author remained persistent, eventually securing a deal that saw her debut novel become a national bestseller.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.