tenacity
Americannoun
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the quality of being tenacious, or of holding fast; persistence.
the amazing tenacity of rumors.
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the quality of retaining something.
the tenacity of memory.
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the quality or property of holding together firmly.
testing the tenacity of the old book's binding.
Related Words
See perseverance.
Other Word Forms
- overtenacity noun
Etymology
Origin of tenacity
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin tenācitās equivalent to tenāc- (stem of tenāx ) “holding fast,” derivative of tenēre “to hold” + -itās -ity ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
What it lacks in explosivity and pacing, “The Complex” at times compensates for in tension, tenderness and tenacity.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026
Smart’s tenacity was a key ingredient to the defensive effort that locked down the Knicks and Timberwolves, and James, revered by coaches and teammates for his defensive communication, stepped up to anchor the defense too.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026
It’s impossible to watch “All the President’s Men” and not feel inspired by Woodward and Bernstein’s tenacity.
From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026
With his charisma, tenacity and everyman appeal, music star Bobi Wine has shaken up Ugandan politics.
From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026
For Izzy did grow: despite her early start, she displayed a tenacity of will that even the doctors remarked upon.
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
