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Synonyms

duration

American  
[doo-rey-shuhn, dyoo-] / dʊˈreɪ ʃən, dyʊ- /

noun

  1. the length of time something continues or exists (often used withthe ).

  2. continuance in time.

  3. (in the philosophy of Bergson) a temporal continuum, intuitively known, within which the élan vital operates.


duration British  
/ djʊˈreɪʃən /

noun

  1. the length of time that something lasts or continues

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • durational adjective

Etymology

Origin of duration

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin dūrātiōn-, stem of dūrātiō, from Latin dūrāt(us) “lasted” (past participle of dūrāre “to last”; dure 2 ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They have to remain at their posts for the duration of the crisis.

From MarketWatch

“Along with the duration of the current crisis, the price of commodities, related supply chain vulnerabilities, and any emerging cracks in expectations for solid global profit growth in 2026 will be key to watch.”

From Barron's

Much will depend on the duration and severity of the energy shock.

From The Wall Street Journal

Whether the economy proves stagflationary or recessionary will depend on the intensity and duration of the oil price surge.

From MarketWatch

“The effectiveness of strategic stocks in calming prices ultimately depends on the duration of closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as stock release is by definition an interim and short-term measure,” the chief economist says.

From The Wall Street Journal