Very determined to continue doing something, even when it’s difficult; refusing to give up.
After being rejected by twelve publishers, the young author’s dogged determination finally paid off when a small press agreed to print her novel. It went on to become a bestseller, proving that persistence matters.
This meaning is about refusing to give up, even when things get really hard. Imagine a journalist who shows dogged persistence in investigating corruption, spending years chasing leads that others would have abandoned. This is being dogged — stubbornly determined. You might admire someone’s dogged pursuit of their dreams despite constant setbacks, or a detective could be known for her dogged refusal to close unsolved cases. Or picture a marathon runner with dogged determination who keeps going despite exhaustion and pain. The word carries admiration for never quitting.
Vivid example: The scientist’s dogged pursuit of a cure kept her working late nights for years, and eventually her breakthrough treatment saved thousands of lives around the world.
Examples from the street:
“Her dogged determination finally paid off when she got the promotion.” → Her stubborn persistence finally produced results when she received the higher position
“The journalist’s dogged pursuit of the truth exposed the scandal.” → The reporter’s relentless search for facts uncovered the controversy
“He’s a dogged competitor — he never gives up.” → He’s a tenacious rival — he never quits
Dogged + noun — VERY COMMON:
– dogged determination → stubborn, persistent resolve
– dogged persistence → relentless continuation despite difficulties
– dogged pursuit → tenacious chase or search
– dogged refusal → stubborn unwillingness to do something
– dogged resistance → persistent opposition
Dogged describing people:
– a dogged competitor/fighter → someone who never gives up
– a dogged defender → someone who persistently protects something
– a dogged journalist/investigator → a relentless seeker of truth
Other common structures:
– dogged in one’s pursuit/efforts → persistent in trying
– dogged by [problems/issues] → persistently troubled by (different meaning — verb form)
– doggedly → adverb form meaning persistently
Example Sentences
1. It was her dogged determination that got her through medical school → It was her stubborn resolve that helped her complete her training to become a doctor.
2. The detective’s dogged pursuit of the killer lasted over twenty years → The investigator’s relentless search for the murderer continued for more than two decades.
3. Despite repeated failures, he maintained a dogged belief that he would succeed → Despite multiple setbacks, he kept a stubborn conviction that he would achieve his goals.
4. The team showed dogged resistance and held on for a 1-0 victory → The squad displayed persistent defence and managed to secure a narrow win.
5. She doggedly refused to give up, even when everyone told her it was impossible → She stubbornly declined to quit, even when everybody said it couldn’t be done.
6. His dogged work ethic impressed everyone in the office → His tenacious approach to his job made a strong impression on all his colleagues.
7. The charity’s dogged campaigning finally changed the law → The organisation’s persistent lobbying eventually resulted in legal reform.
8. He’s not the most talented player, but his dogged persistence makes up for it → He’s not the most gifted sportsman, but his relentless effort compensates for that.
9. The researcher’s dogged attention to detail uncovered a major error in the data → The scientist’s persistent focus on specifics revealed a significant mistake in the information.
10. Their dogged refusal to compromise eventually derailed the negotiations → Their stubborn unwillingness to make concessions ultimately destroyed the talks.
Learner Examples
1. Language learning requires dogged persistence — you won’t become fluent without years of consistent practice → Mastering a new tongue demands relentless effort — you won’t achieve natural ability without years of regular study.
2. The most successful students aren’t always the most talented — they’re often the most dogged in their approach to learning → The highest-achieving learners aren’t always the most gifted — they’re frequently the most tenacious in how they tackle their studies.
✔ Native usage tips
– Pronunciation is key — DOG-id, not dog-ED — “dogged” (adjective) has two syllables with stress on the first: DOG-id. This is different from the verb “dogged” (meaning followed persistently) which is pronounced as one syllable: DOGD
– “Dogged determination” is the most common collocation — this phrase appears constantly in news, sports commentary, and general writing. If you learn one phrase with “dogged,” make it this one
– “Dogged” is always positive or neutral — unlike “stubborn” which can be negative, “dogged” implies admirable persistence. Calling someone “dogged” is generally a compliment
– “Doggedly” is the common adverb — “She doggedly pursued her dreams” or “He doggedly refused to quit” are natural constructions. The adverb is as common as the adjective
– “Dogged by” has a different meaning — “He was dogged by injuries” means persistently troubled by injuries. This is the verb “dog” (to follow/trouble) in passive form, not the adjective
– Common in sports and journalism — commentators love describing athletes and investigators as “dogged.” It suggests someone who keeps going when others would give up
– The word comes from “dog” — it reflects the image of a dog that won’t let go of something, pursuing relentlessly. This connection helps explain the meaning
✔ Similar expressions / words
– Persistent → more neutral and common; works in all contexts; “dogged” is stronger and more admiring; “persistent” can sometimes be negative (persistent complaints)
– Tenacious → very similar meaning; slightly more formal; “tenacious” emphasises holding on tightly; “dogged” emphasises continuing despite obstacles
– Stubborn → can be negative; implies refusing to change even when wrong; “dogged” suggests admirable persistence towards a worthy goal; “stubborn” can suggest unreasonable inflexibility