noun

resiliency

rih-ZIL-yuhn-see/rɪzˈɪljʌnsi/

The ability to recover or adapt after difficulty.

The damaged sapling shows resiliency by producing fresh upright growth.

Fresh upright growth from a bent and damaged sapling.

Etymology

reLatinback

+siliLatinto jump or leap

+encyEnglishquality or state

The “back” and “leap” elements give an image of rebounding. The noun names this as a capacity, extended from springing back to recovery after difficulty or strain.

In context

CTV Santa Cruz County3:22

positive parenting is one of the most important protective factors that can help our children build build resiliency and overcome these challenges in the long term

Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors 1/11/22

More examples

The town shows remarkable resiliency as residents rebuild after the flood.
Supportive friendships can strengthen a child's emotional resiliency.
The company's resiliency helped it survive a sudden loss of customers.

Forms

resiliency

resilient adjective — Able to recover or adapt after difficulty.

Similar words

resilience: Means the same ability and is more commonly used.
adaptability: Emphasizes adjusting to new conditions rather than recovering from hardship.
toughness: Emphasizes enduring strain rather than recovering after a setback.