tenacious

[ tuh-ney-shuhs ]

adjective

1. holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold (often followed by of ):

   a tenacious grip on my arm; tenacious of old habits.

2. highly retentive:

   a tenacious memory.

3. persistent, stubborn, or obstinate.

   Synonyms: obstinate, persistent, pertinacious, dogged

4. adhesive or sticky; viscous or glutinous.

   Synonyms: clingy

5. holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough.

tenacious

/ tɪˈneɪʃəs; tɪˈnæsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. holding or grasping firmly; forceful

   a tenacious grip

2. retentive

   a tenacious memory

3. stubborn or persistent

   a tenacious character

4. holding together firmly; tough or cohesive

   tenacious cement

5. tending to stick or adhere

   tenacious mud

Derived Forms

• teˈnaciously, adverb
• teˈnaciousness, noun

Other Words From

• te·na·cious·ly adverb
• te·na·cious·ness noun
• o·ver·te·na·cious adjective
• o·ver·te·na·cious·ness noun
• un·te·na·cious adjective
• un·te·na·cious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenacious¹

First recorded in 1600–10; tenaci(ty) + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenacious¹

C16: from Latin tenāx, from tenēre to hold

Example Sentences

One of Harris’ biggest weapons in this race was her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha, the sorority she pledged as a student at historically Black college Howard University, a particularly tenacious Black community that moves mountains, breaks barriers, and looks good doing it.

From Slate

Capt. Marvin Scott, commander of CVW-3 who served with both women in training and combat operations, described Evans and Wileman as tenacious and outstanding for their contributions and positive energy they brought to the Navy.

From Los Angeles Times

Siobhan Finneran, known for roles in hit series such as Downton Abbey, Happy Valley and Benidorm, plays Alma's mum, an often desperate but funny, angry and tenacious woman who is stuck in the healthcare system's revolving door as she tries to come off heroin.

From BBC

I always think the easiest thing a manager can do in football is to pick and organise a team that is tenacious and will give you everything - but that is not proving easy for Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag at the moment.

From BBC

Miraculously, scientists have now discovered that the tenacious penguins found a way to beat the colossal iceberg - satellite pictures seen exclusively by BBC News this week show life in the colony.

From BBC

Related Words

• cohesive
• determined
• dogged
• forceful
• persistent
• relentless
• resolute
• spunky
• staunch
• steadfast
• stout
• strong-willed
• stubborn
• tough
• unswerving