pursuit
continued attempt to achieve something
The long effort to get or reach something you want very much.
the pursuit of [something]
- Her pursuit of a medical career took more than ten years of study and training.
- The company’s pursuit of profit has sometimes conflicted with environmental concerns.
- In his relentless pursuit of excellence, he practiced the piano for hours every day.
- Many people move to big cities in pursuit of better opportunities.
- The pursuit of happiness is mentioned as a basic right in the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
- His pursuit of money caused him a lot of stress.
- She moved abroad in pursuit of a better life.
- The pursuit of her dream to be a writer was not easy.
regular hobby or interest activity
An activity you do often, usually because you enjoy it or it is important to you.
[someone]’s [adjective] pursuit(s)
- Reading and painting are her main leisure pursuits.
- The school encourages students to develop artistic pursuits outside the classroom.
- His intellectual pursuits leave him little time for television.
- Outdoor pursuits like hiking and kayaking are very popular in this region.
- In retirement, he finally had time to return to his musical pursuits.
- Swimming is my favorite pursuit after work.
- She has many pursuits, such as cooking and dancing.
- In his free time, his main pursuit is photography.
chasing someone to catch them
The act of running or driving after someone or something to catch them.
in pursuit of [someone/something]
- Police were in hot pursuit of the stolen car along the highway.
- The film opens with a dramatic rooftop pursuit through the city.
- The soldiers abandoned the pursuit when they lost sight of the enemy.
- After a brief pursuit on foot, the officers caught the suspect.
- The fox easily outran the dogs in pursuit.
- The police are in pursuit of the robber.
- After a short pursuit, the man was caught.
- The dog was in pursuit of the cat through the garden.
race where one competitor chases another
In sports like cycling, a race where one person or team starts behind another and tries to catch them.
a [team/individual] pursuit
- She won a silver medal in the individual pursuit at the world championships.
- The team pursuit requires perfect coordination between all four riders.
- Britain has been very successful in the cycling pursuit events at the Olympics.
- He watches the team pursuit on TV during the Olympics.
- She trains every day for the individual pursuit race.
- The pursuit is a popular cycling event on the track.
- Base: pursuit
- Plural: pursuit, pursuits
high-speed pursuit
1very fast vehicle chase
A chase, usually by police, where cars or other vehicles move very fast.
- Three people were injured during a high-speed pursuit on the freeway.
- The officer decided not to start a high-speed pursuit in the crowded downtown area.
in hot pursuit
1very close, active chase
Following very closely while trying hard to catch someone or something.
- Police were in hot pursuit as the thieves sped through the city.
- The dog ran across the field in hot pursuit of the rabbit.
in pursuit
1engaged in following or trying
Doing something in order to follow or get something (a person, thing, or goal).
- She traveled across Asia in pursuit of new experiences.
- The army moved north in pursuit of the retreating enemy.
in pursuit of
1trying to get or achieve something
Trying to get, find, or achieve something, usually over some time.
- Many students move abroad in pursuit of better education and job prospects.
- The company cut costs in pursuit of higher profits.
in pursuit of excellence
1trying hard to reach high standards
Working very hard for a long time to be as good as possible at something.
- The school aims to support every student in pursuit of excellence.
- In pursuit of excellence, the team reviews every detail of its performance.
leisure pursuits
1hobbies and free-time activities
Things people do in their free time for fun, such as sports, games, or arts.
- The survey asked people about their favorite leisure pursuits.
- Reading remains one of the most popular leisure pursuits around the world.
police pursuit
1official chase by police
A situation where police follow a person or vehicle to catch them, usually at speed.
- The high-speed police pursuit was shown live on television.
- New rules limit when officers may begin a police pursuit in busy city areas.
the pursuit of happiness
1effort to achieve happiness
The effort to live a happy life, often mentioned as a basic right or life goal.
- The phrase 'the pursuit of happiness' is famous from the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
- For many people, the pursuit of happiness matters more than money.