Final answer:
The word 'persistence' means the quality of continuing to do something despite difficulties or opposition. The opposite of 'persistence' is 'hopelessness'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word 'persistence' means the quality of continuing to do something despite difficulties or opposition. When we look for an opposite, we are looking for a word that means the opposite of continuing or not giving up. Among the given options, 'hopelessness' best fits this criteria as it means a feeling of despair or lack of hope. Therefore, the word 'hopelessness' is most nearly opposite in meaning to 'persistence'.
Learn more about Opposite meanings of 'persistence'