resilience

noun

re·sil·ience ri-ˈzil-yən(t)s

: the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress

: an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

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Using Resilience Outside of Physics

In physics, resilience is the ability of an elastic material (such as rubber or animal tissue) to absorb energy (such as from a blow) and release that energy as it springs back to its original shape. The recovery that occurs in this phenomenon can be viewed as analogous to a person's ability to bounce back after a jarring setback. The word resilience derives from the present participle of the Latin verb resilire, meaning "to jump back" or "to recoil." The base of resilire is salire, a verb meaning "to leap" that also pops up in the etymologies of such sprightly words as sally and somersault.

Examples of resilience in a Sentence

… the concert remained a remarkable tribute to Dylan's resilience and continued relevance. —Susan Richardson, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 1994

He squeezed the rubber with a clamp and then released it—demonstrating with this painfully simple experiment that the material lost its resilience and therefore its ability to flex rapidly enough to protect the rocket joint from tumultuous hot gases. —James Gleick, New York Times Book Review, 13 Nov. 1988

With amazing resilience the two tribes pulled together and set out to found a new town farther up the river. —Carolyn Gilman, American Indian Art Magazine, Spring 1988

It is really wonderful how much resilience there is in human nature. Let any obstructing cause, no matter what, be removed in any way, even by death, and we fly back to first principles of hope and enjoyment. —Bram Stoker, Dracula, 1897

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Beth believes that, even during the most difficult times, resilience and connection are possible. —Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 9 May 2025 Resume Now’s latest analysis of Bureau of Labor statistics data identifies 13 high-growth careers that require only a high school diploma—yet offer strong salaries and resilience against AI automation. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 May is gearing up to challenge us with intense transits and emotional rollercoasters that will test our patience, resilience and ability to grow through discomfort. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 May 2025 Rempe said these resources have also resulted in stronger retention rates and reports of higher resilience, job satisfaction and happiness in the workplace. —Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for resilience