adjective / noun
durable
DOOR-uh-bul/ˈdʊrəbl/
Able to resist wear over a long period.
The durable leather boot has scuffs but no broken stitching.
Etymology
The “to harden” root developed into the idea of being lasting or permanent. Durable therefore describes something that continues to hold up over time, rather than merely something physically hard.
In context
she developed a hybrid material which transforms textile waste into a durable waterproof material by embedding it in polyurethane
More examples
- We need durable flooring that can withstand daily foot traffic.
- This metal chair is more durable than the plastic one.
- Families often postpone buying durables such as refrigerators when money is tight.
Forms
durable · more durable · most durable · durables
durability noun — The ability to withstand wear over time.
Similar words
- sturdy
- Emphasizes solid construction and strength rather than lasting performance.
- long-lasting
- Emphasizes duration without necessarily implying resistance to physical wear.