survival
noun
sur·viv·al
sər-ˈvī-vəl 
often attributive
1
a
: the act or fact of living or continuing longer than another person or thing
b
: the continuation of life or existence
problems of survival in arctic conditions
2
: one that survives
Examples of survival in a Sentence
The refugees depend on foreign aid for their survival.
Small businesses are fighting for survival.
the survival of an old folktale
Recent Examples on the Web
Featuring bold new artwork by Violeta Encarnación and an exclusive introduction by the author, this deluxe version of the Booker Prize-winning novel reimagines the beloved tale of survival, spirituality, and storytelling.
—
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
At the time of diagnosis, the cancer was localized and hadn’t spread, giving Lizzy a 70% survival rate.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 19 July 2025
This is especially true in rural communities, where economic and political pressures have threatened the survival of local journalism.
—Josh Shepperd, The Conversation, 17 July 2025
The film explores the clash between morality and survival through the lens of migration, impunity and structural violence.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for survival
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.
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
At the time of diagnosis, the cancer was localized and hadn’t spread, giving Lizzy a 70% survival rate.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 19 July 2025
This is especially true in rural communities, where economic and political pressures have threatened the survival of local journalism.
—Josh Shepperd, The Conversation, 17 July 2025
The film explores the clash between morality and survival through the lens of migration, impunity and structural violence.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for survival
Cite this Entry
“Survival.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/survival. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
survival
noun
sur·viv·al
sər-ˈvī-vəl
1
: the act or fact of living or continuing longer than another person or thing
survival of half the population after the epidemic
2
: a continuation of life despite difficult conditions
skills for survival in the desert
3
: one that survives
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share