adjective

resilient

/rɪˈzɪliənt/ · say it: rih·ZIL·yuhnt

able to recover quickly from difficulties

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

1. (adjective) able to recover quickly from difficulties or to return to normal after being bent or compressed

2. (adjective) capable of handling stress or hardship without being damaged or giving up

Examples

1. Rubber is a resilient material that bounces back when you press it.
2. She has a resilient personality and remains positive even after setbacks.

How to use resilient

Resilient describes both physical capacity (materials that bounce back after compression) and psychological or social capacity (people or systems that recover from hardship). It emphasizes strength through flexibility rather than rigidity, making it distinct from merely 'strong.' It is widely used in modern contexts ranging from materials science to mental health and organizational management.

Common phrases

resilient to adversity
resilient community
resilient system
build resilience
resilient design
remarkably resilient

Synonyms

tough · flexible · hardy · strong-willed · adaptable

Opposites

fragile · brittle · rigid

Word family

resilience (noun) · resiliently (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse resilient with simply 'resistant' or 'durable,' missing the key element of recovery and adaptation rather than just endurance.

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