stickability

English

Etymology

stick +‎ -ability

Noun

stickability (uncountable)

1. The motivation and ability to keep at something in the face of obstacles;determination and persistence;
   • 1887, Indiana Horticultural Society, Proceedings: (1886) - Volume 26, page 143:

     The morning after he had joined the church, many of his neighbors, in congratulating him upon his new departure, said to him: "Well, Sam, I hope you. will stick," whereupon Mr. Jones remarked that he liked a religion with stickability in it, and a man with stickability in him.

   • 1939, Jobs and Careers, page 12:

     Be ready and willing to learn all you can from whoever you can and wherever you can, and to adaptability and teachability add stickability.

   • 2002, JazzTimes ... Jazz Education Guide, page 72:

     You graduates already have exhibited some of that ability, something most people call "stickability" or persistence. You've demonstrated a great degree of stickability, but your job has just begun. A diploma is only a license to learn. I don't care how smart you are or how talented you are, if you don't have the quality of stickability, you'll never be as successful as you could and should be.

   • 2007, Phillip Hughes, Opening Doors to the Future: Stories of Prominent Australians and the Influence of Teachers, →ISBN:

     'Stickability' was a necessary quality, one he possesses in abundance.