durable
DYUR-uh-buhl
/ˈdjʊərəbəl/
Able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; hard-wearing and long-lasting.
Implies strength against repeated mechanical stress, friction, and environmental degradation.
The story behind the word. Traced to Latin 'durus', meaning 'hard' or 'solid'. From 'durus' we also get 'endure' and 'duration'. A durable material is literally 'hard enough to last through time without destroying its structural integrity'.
Word relationships
- resilient: Resilient highlights the ability to snap back after deformation, while durable emphasizes resistance to wear.
- sturdy: Sturdy implies heavy, solid build physical strength.
- fragile: Fragile means easily broken or damaged with minimal force.
- delicate: Delicate describes fine items easily damaged by rough handling.
Commonly confused with
- duration: Duration is a noun referring to the length of time something lasts, while durable describes long-lasting quality.
Word family
- durability (noun): The ability to withstand wear and tear.
- endure (verb): To suffer through or last over time.
Collocations
- durable fabric
- durable goods
- highly durable
- durable construction
Example sentences
- "Heavy denim was originally chosen for miner overalls because it was exceptionally durable." Workwear description
- "Testing confirmed that canvas bags are far more durable than disposable plastic alternatives." Consumer report citation
Memory hook
DURable things ENDURE hard usage. Hard enough to endure.
When not to use
Do not use to mean 'permanent'—durable goods still wear out eventually over long periods.
Fun facts
- In economics, 'durable goods' are defined as consumer products that do not have to be purchased frequently and yield utility over at least 3 years.
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