tenacity

[tuh-nas-i-tee]

noun

1. the quality of being tenacious, or of holding fast; persistence.

   the amazing tenacity of rumors.

2. the quality of retaining something.

   the tenacity of memory.

3. the quality or property of holding together firmly.

   testing the tenacity of the old book's binding.

Other Word Forms

• overtenacity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenacity¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin tenācitās equivalent to tenāc- (stem of tenāx ) “holding fast,” derivative of tenēre “to hold” + -itās -ity ( def. )

Synonym Study

See perseverance.

Example Sentences

Both of Mr. Smith’s parents fled the Jim Crow South, met in Washington and imbued their son with ambition, purpose and tenacity.

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Although many of those interim efforts never saw the light of day, those that did were powered by an extra dose of passion and tenacity during a particularly disruptive time.

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How these features combine to improve efficiency depends on human ingenuity, imagination, tenacity and that elusive thing called “tacit knowledge” that comes from experience.

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The veteran guard, who has been dealing with Achilles tendinopathy, took part in most of practice and displayed his defensive tenacity and communication.

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He was rewarded for his tenacity by winning the 2025 Conn Smythe trophy, awarded to the most valuable player of the playoffs.

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Related Words

• chutzpah 
• courage 
• determination 
• firmness www.thesaurus.com
• grit 
• guts www.thesaurus.com
• perseverance 
• persistence 
• spunk 
• steadfastness