adjective
C2
Proficient
tenacious
tuh-NAY-shuhs
Tenacious (adjective) means refusing to give up or let go, even when things get difficult. Example: “Her tenacious pursuit of the story eventually forced the company to respond.”
adjective
1
Refusing to give up or let go, even when things get difficult.
"Her tenacious pursuit of the story eventually forced the company to respond."
"The team showed a tenacious defence in the final minutes of the match."
2
Sticking firmly to a surface; not easily removed.
"The mud left a tenacious stain on the carpet."
How to use tenacious
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHolding on stubbornly and refusing to let go, whether that's an idea, a goal, or a physical grip.
Common pairings
tenacious defence
tenacious grip
a tenacious fighter
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more tenacious
- Superlative
- most tenacious
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Her _____ pursuit of the story eventually forced the company to respond.
Etymology
From Latin tenax ("holding fast, clinging"), from tenere ("to hold").
Synonyms
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unyielding
dour
retentive
persistent
long
pertinacious
dogged
coherent
recollective
sticky
steadfast
memorious
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for tenacious
See all rhymes for tenacious →Frequently asked questions
What does “tenacious” mean?
The word “tenacious” means refusing to give up or let go, even when things get difficult. In plain terms, holding on stubbornly and refusing to let go, whether that's an idea, a goal, or a physical grip.
How do you pronounce “tenacious”?
“Tenacious” is pronounced tuh-NAY-shuhs (/təˈneɪʃəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “tenacious” in a sentence?
Here is “tenacious” used in a sentence: “Her tenacious pursuit of the story eventually forced the company to respond.”
What is another word for “tenacious”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tenacious” include sticky, steadfast and memorious.
What part of speech is “tenacious”?
“Tenacious” is an adjective.
Where does the word “tenacious” come from?
The word “tenacious” comes from Latin. From Latin tenax ("holding fast, clinging"), from tenere ("to hold").
How many meanings does “tenacious” have?
“Tenacious” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: refusing to give up or let go, even when things get difficult.
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