What does persisting mean?
“Persisting” describes something that continues firmly despite obstacles, interruption, or an expectation that it will soon end. It can modify a person, an effort, a problem, or a process: a persisting effort may be admirable, while a persisting fault or dispute may be troublesome. The word also functions as the present participle of “persist,” as in “she persisted in applying,” and can therefore describe the act of continuing itself. Compared with “persistent,” “persisting” often places more emphasis on an action or condition unfolding over time. It is especially useful when discussing difficulties that remain unresolved or efforts that continue in spite of setbacks. In formal writing, it can sound measured and authoritative, while in ordinary speech it may sound somewhat literary or technical.
Continuing firmly or steadily despite obstacles, opposition, or interruption; especially of problems, efforts, or conditions that remain in existence.
"The persisting problem required a more permanent solution."
More common in formal writing and in technical contexts than in casual speech.
The present participle of “persist,” meaning to continue firmly in a course of action or state.
"She went on persisting in her efforts despite the lack of support."
Used with auxiliary verbs such as “is,” “was,” and “has been,” or after verbs such as “continue” and “keep.”
Persisting turns a moment of difficulty into a test of endurance: the word suggests that stopping is possible, but continuing is the chosen course.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does persisting come from?
The word derives from the Latin verb “persistere,” meaning “to continue” or “to persist.” That verb was formed from the prefix “per-,” meaning “through” or “forward,” and “sistere,” “to stand,” giving it the sense of standing firmly or continuing. English later developed the forms “persist,” “persisted,” and “persisting,” along with “persistence” and “persistent.” Related Latin words such as “insistere” and “desistere” share the same root element associated with standing.
Related word forms
How persisting is actually used
The form is common in formal and literary English and is especially useful for describing problems, efforts, or processes that continue despite attempts to stop them. As a present participle, it can also follow linking verbs such as “remain.”
Easily confused with persisting
“Persisting” often emphasizes an action or condition that continues, whereas “persistent” more commonly characterizes a person, effort, or quality that refuses to give up.