survival

[ ser-vahy-vuhl ]

noun

1. the act or fact of surviving, especially under adverse or unusual circumstances.
2. a person or thing that survives or endures, especially an ancient custom, observance, belief, or the like.
3. Anthropology. (no longer in technical use) the persistence of a cultural trait, practice, or the like long after it has lost its original meaning or usefulness.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or for use in surviving, especially under adverse or unusual circumstances:

   survival techniques.

survival

/ səˈvaɪvəl /

noun

1. a person or thing that survives, such as a custom
2. 1. the act or fact of surviving or condition of having survived
   2. ( as modifier )

      survival kit

Other Words From

• nonsur·vival noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of survival¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; survive + -al ²

Example Sentences

Other limitations are that the study could not account for heart damage after the six-month follow-up and did not look at other factors like survival or quality of life.

From Science Daily

This symbiosis increases a plant's survival in nitrogen-deficient soils without the use of nitrogen fertilizers.

From Science Daily

With this new threat unlocked, the search crew must fight for survival and what they choose to do with this discovery could change planet Earth as they know it.

From Salon

The Saints are only given a 5.2% of survival by Opta, despite being only four points off safety at this stage.

From BBC

Palestinians are "facing diminishing conditions for survival" in parts of northern Gaza under siege by Israeli forces because virtually no aid has been delivered in 40 days, the UN has warned.

From BBC

Related Words

• continuity
• durability
• endurance