resilient

[ri-zil-yuhnt, -zil-ee-uhnt]

adjective

1. springing back; rebounding.

   Synonyms: springy, flexible, elastic

2. returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched.

3. recovering readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyant.

resilient

/ rɪˈzɪlɪənt /

adjective

1. (of an object or material) capable of regaining its original shape or position after bending, stretching, compression, or other deformation; elastic

2. (of a person) recovering easily and quickly from shock, illness, hardship, etc; irrepressible

Other Word Forms

• resiliently adverb
• nonresilient adjective
• nonresiliently adverb
• unresilient adjective
• unresiliently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of resilient¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin resilient-, stem of resiliēns, present participle of resilīre “to spring back,” equivalent to re- re- + -sil-, combining form of salīre “to leap, jump”; salient

Example Sentences

And while damaged and diseased organs may be replaceable by transplants, as we age our bodies become much less resilient or able to cope with physical stressors.

From BBC

So gaining an increasing income from selling website addresses is playing an important role in diversifying the island's economy, and making it more resilient to the financial damage that storms may bring.

From BBC

"Even larger fish, which are more resilient, can struggle if moved into already stressed river systems, potentially competing for resources and putting further strain on existing populations."

From BBC

A productive season, where she has spent more time on court and looked increasingly resilient, has put her on the verge of climbing back into the world's top 30.

From BBC

“It is vital that we properly manage our federal lands to create healthy, resilient, and productive forests for generations to come.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• buoyant 
• strong 
• supple 
• tough 
• volatile