resilience

[ ri-zil-yuhns, -zil-ee-uhns ]

noun

1. the power or ability of a material to return to its original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched; elasticity.
2. the ability of a person to adjust to or recover readily from illness, adversity, major life changes, etc.; buoyancy.
3. the ability of a system or organization to respond to or recover readily from a crisis, disruptive process, etc.:

   Cities can build resilience to climate change by investing in infrastructure.

Other Words From

• non·re·sil·i·ence noun
• non·re·sil·i·en·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of resilience¹

First recorded in 1620–30; resili(ent) + -ence

Example Sentences

The announcement will come as part of an Ofwat update into executive pay and financial resilience across the sector.

From BBC

The image was considered a sign of resilience and strength for women in sport.

From BBC

"This advancement can help refine weather forecasts and risk assessments, providing timely warnings and enhancing the resilience of coastal communities and infrastructure. "

From Science Daily

Raducanu confidently moved a double break up before Hruncakova pinched one back, forcing the British player to again show her resilience.

From BBC

Through it all, Cher — who left her mother’s house when she was 16 — developed grit and resilience.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flexibility