staying power
C1Formal, Semi-formal
Definition
Meaning
The capacity to continue or endure over a long period; endurance.
The ability to maintain effort, interest, or a competitive advantage over an extended duration, especially in the face of difficulty or opposition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A compound noun with a metaphorical sense, likening physical stamina to abstract persistence. It typically describes non-physical entities (e.g., a product, a relationship, a political movement) as well as people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both varieties; no lexical or syntactic differences.
Connotations
Slightly more common in business/sports commentary in both regions. In British English, it may carry a slight connotation of traditional grit or 'pluck'.
Frequency
Comparatively common in both, with a very slight edge in British English corpora.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NOUN + have + staying powerThe VERB-ing power of NOUNADJ staying powerVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go the distance (related)”
- “In it for the long haul (related)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a product's or company's ability to remain successful in the market over time.
Academic
Used in sociology, history, or political science to describe the enduring nature of institutions, ideas, or movements.
Everyday
Used to describe relationships, hobbies, or resolutions that last.
Technical
Rarely used in highly technical fields; more common in sports science to describe athletic endurance beyond physical stamina.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This battery has good staying power.
- I hope our friendship has staying power.
- The new smartphone lacks the staying power of the older model.
- To be a successful athlete, you need mental staying power.
- The political movement demonstrated surprising staying power despite the scandal.
- The secret to her success was her incredible staying power in a difficult industry.
- Critics questioned the ideological staying power of the nascent political party in the face of economic headwinds.
- The theory's staying power in academic discourse is a testament to its foundational robustness.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a long-distance runner who has the power to stay in the race when others drop out.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENDURANCE IS A FORM OF POWER / PERSISTENCE IS A SOLID, LASTING OBJECT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque "стоящая сила" or "сила стояния".
- Do not confuse with "выносливость", which is more strictly physical stamina.
- The closest conceptual equivalent is "живучесть" or "долговечность" for non-human subjects.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a staying power company').
- Confusing it with 'stopping power'.
- Using it for very short-term situations.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'staying power' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is commonly used for abstract concepts, products, ideas, and institutions as well as people.
No, 'stay power' is non-standard. The correct compound noun is 'staying power'.
'Stamina' primarily refers to physical or mental endurance for sustained effort. 'Staying power' is broader, often implying the ability to last or remain relevant over a very long period, not just during a single effort.
It is more common in formal and semi-formal contexts (business, journalism, academia) but can be used in everyday speech.