sur·viv·al

/sɚˈvaıvəl/ noun, pl -als

1 [noncount] : the state or fact of continuing to live or exist especially in spite of difficult conditions

The refugees depend on foreign aid for their survival.

Small businesses are fighting/struggling for survival.

the survival of an old folktale

The doctor said her chance of survival [=chance that she would get better and continue to live] was about 50 percent.

— often used before another noun

The scouts learned basic survival skills/techniques.

Patients have a high survival rate if the cancer is detected early.

an animal's survival instinct [=an animal's ability to know what to do to stay alive]

He uses his wits as a survival mechanism. [=as a way of protecting himself from being hurt by other people]

2 [count] : something from an earlier period that still exists or is done

— usually singular

The holiday custom is a survival from colonial times.

survival of the fittest

1 : ↑natural selection

2

— used to refer to a situation in which only the people or things that are strongest, most skillful, etc., are able to succeed or to continue to exist

In the business world, it's survival of the fittest.