Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - determination

~ n 1 the ability to continue trying to achieve what you have decided to do even when this is difficult  (determination to do sth)  (Her determination to do well made her keep on studying. | dogged determination (=very strong determination))  (They were admired for their dogged determination to learn the language.) 2 formal the act of deciding something officially  (the determination of government policy) 3 technical the act of finding the exact level, amount, or causes of something  (determination of the cause of death)  (- see also self­determination)