durable
[doo r-uh-buh l, dyoo r-]
- able to resist wear, decay, etc., well; lasting; enduring.
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- durables. durable goods.
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Origin of durable
Synonyms
See more synonyms for durable on Thesaurus.com1. permanent.
Antonyms
1. weak, transitory.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for durability
Contemporary Examples
One way of measuring the durability of an airplane is to check how many of those built are still flying.
Last year he proved that he still has electric ability, but his inconsistency and durability concerns are worse than ever.
The most important aspects have yet to be decided on, like the material, which will have to undergo a series of durability tests.
Charm explains the durability of certain books, where the characters and plots are still secondary to the lives they reveal.
Long into the future, the printed book will continue to survive because of its portability, durability, and flexibility.
Historical Examples
Steel pipe has been employed to a limited extent but its durability is questioned.
American Rural HighwaysT. R. Agg
It possesses a high degree of durability if properly constructed.
American Rural HighwaysT. R. Agg
The Pyramids exceed all other buildings in strength, height, and durability.
It was the only thing about him—of him—that gave the impression of durability and vigour.
The Nigger Of The "Narcissus"Joseph Conrad
It is impossible to overestimate the durability of homespun materials.
Home Life in Colonial DaysAlice Morse Earle
durable
- long-lasting; enduringa durable fabric
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Word Origin
C14: from Old French, from Latin dūrābilis, from dūrāre to last; see endure
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
Word Origin and History for durability
n.
late 14c., from Old French durabilité, from Late Latin durabilitatem (nominative durabilitas), noun of quality from Latin durabilis (see durable).
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durable
adj.
late 14c., from Old French durable (11c.), from Latin durabilis "lasting, permanent," from durare "to last, harden" (see endure). Durable goods attested from 1930.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper