endurance
en-DYOOR-uhns
/ɪnˈdjʊərəns/
The ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity.
Refers to long-term stamina rather than short bursts of power.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'durus,' meaning 'hard.' It’s the 'hardness' or toughness that allows an athlete to keep going when their muscles are screaming to stop. It shares a root with 'durable.'
Word relationships
- stamina: Stamina is the energy to keep going; endurance is the ability to withstand the stress of the activity.
- fortitude: Fortitude is mental or emotional strength; endurance is usually physical.
- frailty: The state of being weak or delicate.
Commonly confused with
- stamina: Endurance is the broader ability to last; stamina is the specific energy level.
Word family
- endure (verb): To suffer patiently or remain in existence.
- enduring (adjective): Lasting over a long period.
Collocations
- physical endurance
- mental endurance
- endurance test
Example sentences
- "Cross-country skiing requires immense endurance, as athletes must maintain a high level of effort for hours." Describing cross-country skiing.
- "Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." A quote on perseverance. (William Barclay)
Memory hook
Endurance = Endure + Dance. You have to endure the dance until the end. Endurance = Ability to endure.
When not to use
Do not use for short-term strength; use 'power' or 'explosiveness' instead.
Fun facts
- The 'Endurance' was the name of Ernest Shackleton's ship in his famous Antarctic expedition.
- Ultra-endurance events can last for days or even weeks.
Explore more words
endure, perseverance, fortitude, hardship, stoic, long-suffering
Also appears in
- Travel & Culture → Adventure Sports & Recreation
- Health Sciences → Sedentary Lifestyles & Exercise
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Track & Field Athletics
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Water & Aquatic Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Racket & Court Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Motor & Racing Sports
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