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adj C1 Advanced Uncommon

durable

DYOOR-ruh-buhl

Durable (adj) means Able to withstand wear, damage, or long use. Example: “These boots are durable enough to survive years of hiking.”

adj
1
Able to withstand wear, damage, or long use.
"These boots are durable enough to survive years of hiking."
"The company promotes its durable, long-lasting furniture."

How to use durable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBuilt to last and resist damage over time.

Common pairings
durable materials durable goods hard-wearing and durable

Word forms

more durable comparative, durables plural, most durable superlative

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Test yourself on “durable” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

These boots are _____ enough to survive years of hiking.

Etymology

From Latin durare, "to harden" or "to last," the same root as "endure."

Origin: Latin

long-lasting hard-wearing robust rugged

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for durable

See all rhymes for durable →

Frequently asked questions

What does “durable” mean?

The word “durable” means able to withstand wear, damage, or long use. In plain terms, built to last and resist damage over time.

How do you pronounce “durable”?

“Durable” is pronounced DYOOR-ruh-buhl (/ˈdʊɹəbəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “durable” in a sentence?

Here is “durable” used in a sentence: “These boots are durable enough to survive years of hiking.”

What is the opposite of “durable”?

The opposite of “durable” — its antonyms — is nondurable.

What part of speech is “durable”?

“Durable” is an adjective.

Where does the word “durable” come from?

The word “durable” comes from Latin. From Latin durare, "to harden" or "to last," the same root as "endure.".

Is “durable” a common word?

“Durable” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

What is the difference between durable and sturdy?

Durable describes something's ability to withstand long-term wear, damage, or use over time, while sturdy emphasizes physical strength and solid construction that resists immediate force or breakage. A product can be sturdy in build but not necessarily durable if it degrades quickly with use.

What is a durable good in economics?

A durable good is a product designed to be used over an extended period without being consumed quickly, such as appliances or furniture, as opposed to non-durable goods like food that are used up rapidly.

What makes a material or product durable?

A material or product is considered durable when it can withstand wear, damage, or long use without breaking down or needing frequent replacement, often due to strong construction or resistant materials.

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