durable

adjective

du·​ra·​ble ˈdu̇r-ə-bəl 

 also  ˈdyu̇r-

: able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration in quality or value

a durable suitcase

also : designed to be durable

durable goods

durability

ˌdu̇r-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌdyu̇r-

noun

durableness

ˈdu̇r-ə-bəl-nəs 

ˈdyu̇r-

noun

durably

ˈdu̇r-ə-blē 

ˈdyu̇r-

adverb

Did you know?

Something durable lasts a long time, so it's no surprise that the word comes to us, via Anglo-French, from the Latin verb durare, meaning "to last." Other descendants of durare in English include during, endure, and durance (which now mostly turns up in the phrase "in durance vile," a fancy way of saying "in prison"). Durable even has a near synonym in the much rarer perdurable, which combines durare with the prefix per- (meaning "throughout") to create a word that can mean "lasting a very long time or indefinitely" or "eternal."

Choose the Right Synonym for durable

lasting, permanent, durable, stable mean enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established.

lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

Examples of durable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Roberts thus sees the EU as more durable than the other superstates. —Shivshankar Menon, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024

And to top it all off, the rubber outsoles on these shoes are durable and offer ample traction on a wide range of terrain — even following April showers. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2024

The table is durable and has t-mold edges to protect the corners from chipping. —Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Apr. 2024

This grill has an easy twist-start ignition for effortless start-up, and the stainless steel finish is durable and resistant to weather, rust and other environmental dangers. —Kelsey Chapman, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2024

For a highly durable wind chime, aluminum won’t rust and can withstand high winds. —Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2024

In hand, Moonshine gold is warm and lustrous, and according to Omega is very durable. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2024

These fun lights, with more than 5,700 five-star ratings, feature a starburst effect to sway softly with the wind but are still durable to endure harsh weather. —Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2024

These sheets are breathable, moisture-wicking, and durable, ensuring long-lasting comfort and quality. —Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin durabilis, from durare to last — more at during

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing durable

• durable press

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Kids Definition

durable

adjective

du·​ra·​ble ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-bəl 

: able to last a long time

durable clothing

durable goods

durability

ˌd(y)u̇r-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

durably

ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-blē 

adverb