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durable
/ˈdʊr.ə.bəl/
long-lasting
The company's durable products are guaranteed for 10 years.
The company's products that last a long time come with a 10-year warranty.
formal
Able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time.
Leather is a durable material for shoes.
Leather can last a long time without wearing out, making it ideal for shoes.
The government signed a durable agreement with the supplier.
The agreement with the supplier is designed to remain effective for a long period.
Often used in contexts involving materials, products, or agreements that must endure over time.
Collocations
durable goodsproducts expected to last for a long timedurable solutiona long-term fix or approachdurable relationshipa long-lasting connection or bond
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid confusing 'durable' with 'durable' vs. 'durability'
'Durable' is an adjective describing something that lasts long. 'Durability' is the noun form, referring to the quality of being durable. Example: 'The durability of this fabric is impressive.'
Gold Rule
Use 'durable' for physical objects or agreements
Reserve 'durable' for tangible items (e.g., materials, products) or formal agreements (e.g., contracts). For abstract concepts like friendships, use 'long-lasting' or 'enduring' instead.
Word Origin
From Middle English *durable*, from Old French *durable*, from Latin *durabilis* ("able to last"), from *durare* ("to last, endure"), from *durus* ("hard").
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both everyday and technical contexts (e.g., materials science, business). Avoid using 'durable' to describe abstract concepts like emotions or relationships unless emphasizing longevity.
Word Breakdown
dur-
from Latin *durare* (to last)
root-able
capable of being
suffixEnglish Dictionary