durability
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of durability
First recorded in 1350–1400; Latin dūrābili(s) + -tās noun suffix; see durable ( def. ), -ty 2 ( def. )
Explanation
Durability is when something lasts a long time. The durability of your favorite pair of hiking boots keeps them from wearing out even when you've walked many miles in them. Use the noun durability to describe the quality of permanence or strength that keeps something working or holds it together. Your parents' thirty year marriage has durability, and your sturdy old car that keeps on running mile after mile also has durability. The Latin root word, durabilis, means "lasting or permanent," and comes from durare, "to last or harden."
Vocabulary lists containing durability
This Week in Words: January 27 - February 2, 2018
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"Ad Power," "Without Commercials," and "What's Wrong with Advertising"
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"The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller, List 5
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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.
The research team tested the mechanical strength and durability of the regenerated material under conditions designed to mimic everyday use.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 5, 2026
She described commissioning a small barn outbuilding with durability in mind.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026
"We don't think that affordability and durability should be opposites," says Vicki Swain, the brand's longevity lead.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
An Apple spokesman pointed to the Duo’s titanium frame for durability.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026
The durability of the empire is compelling evidence that the assets outweighed the liabilities.
From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
