tenacious

"Tenacious" is a powerful adjective that most learners encounter when describing people who simply refuse to give up. It has a couple of closely related senses — a literal physical one and a more common figurative one about personality and determination.

1adjectivefigurativedetermined and persistent

When you describe a person as tenacious, you mean they hold on to their goals with incredible strength and do not stop, even when things get very hard. Think of a dog that grabs a rope and will not let go — that is the image behind this word. It is the most common way you will see 'tenacious' used.

everyday language, work, sports · Modern, widely used · figurative

She was a tenacious student who kept practicing until she mastered the language.

The tenacious lawyer worked for years to prove her client was innocent.

Despite many failures, his tenacious spirit kept him moving forward.

2adjectiveholding firmly to something physical

In a more literal sense, tenacious describes something that grips or sticks very tightly and is hard to remove or shake off. Imagine ivy growing on a wall — its roots hold on so firmly that pulling it off is nearly impossible. That grip is tenacious.

everyday language, science, nature · Modern, also found in older texts

The tenacious roots of the old tree had cracked the pavement over many years.

The climber kept a tenacious grip on the rock face despite the strong wind.

The stain was so tenacious that even strong soap could not remove it.

3adjectivefigurativekeeping a strong hold on beliefs or opinions

You can also use tenacious to describe someone who holds on to their ideas, beliefs, or positions very strongly and does not change them easily. It is similar to the 'determined' sense, but focused specifically on opinions and convictions rather than goals.

politics, debate, everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

He was tenacious in his belief that the project could succeed, even when others doubted him.

The community was tenacious in defending its traditions against outside pressure.

She remained tenacious in her position during the long negotiation.