remainstay

Remainstay is a neologism used to describe the act or state of continuing to remain in the same place or to persist in a fixed position or stance. As a verb, it can mean to continue to hold a position, decision, or location despite changes in surrounding conditions. As a noun, it can refer to a person or thing characterized by persistence or constancy in the face of change.

Its etymology reflects a blend of remain and stay, two everyday verbs that convey persistence and location. The term has appeared in informal online writing since the mid-2020s and has been used in speculative fiction, discussions of resilient communities, and commentary on organizational behavior to describe steadfast presence or longevity.

Usage is primarily informal or analytical rather than formal, and remainstay is not yet established in major dictionaries. It tends to appear in metaphorical or descriptive passages about resilience, continuity, or stability and is more common in discussions about human behavior and planning than in technical writing.

Examples include: The village acted as a remainstay during the flood, preserving essential services and shelters for residents. A remainstay approach in leadership emphasizes continuity of mission when plans must adapt.

See also: stay, remain, persistence, resilience.