WordGarden.iostamina
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈæmɪnə/
US
- /ˈstæmənə/
Meanings
Noun
enduring physical or mental strength to keep going
Beyond the definition
Imagine running a marathon. It's not just about speed; it's about stamina—the ability to keep going even when you're tired and things get hard. Stamina isn't just physical, either. A lawyer may need it to handle a long case, a writer may need it to finish a novel, and even someone having a long conversation may need it to stay focused and involved. It's that inner reserve of energy that helps you push through challenges. Think of it as the power to keep going when you would rather stop.
Stamina refers to the ability to sustain physical or mental effort for a long time. It's not just about being strong; it's about endurance and how long you can keep going. A sprinter might have explosive power, but a marathon runner needs stamina.
Originally, "stamina" was used in medicine to describe the strength of body or mind. Over time, its meaning broadened to include many kinds of steady effort. You build stamina through consistent training and practice. A musician builds it by practicing scales and songs again and again. A student builds it by studying regularly over a long period.
You might say someone "lacks stamina" if they tire easily or give up quickly, or that an athlete is "renowned for their incredible stamina" if they can perform at a high level for extended periods. It's not just about physical activity; mental stamina is crucial for tackling complex problems, dealing with stress, and achieving long-term goals.
So, whether it's running a race, completing a project, or navigating a difficult situation, stamina is the key to seeing things through—that inner resilience that keeps you going when others might falter.
Examples
- 1
Race training
She trained all winter to build up her stamina before the race.
- 2
Hiking
I had enough stamina for the first half of the hike, but the last climb was hard.
- 3
Hospital work
These long hospital shifts demand both physical and mental stamina.
- 4
Sports performance
He may not be the fastest player, but he has the stamina to stay sharp until the end of the match.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Academic work
Working on a PhD takes stamina, especially when progress feels slow.
- 6
Family care
Caring for a sick parent requires emotional stamina as well as patience.
- 7
Sports fatigue
The team started strongly, then ran out of stamina in the final minutes.
- Phraserun out of stamina
no longer have enough energy to continue
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- staminanoun