durable
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of durable
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin dūrābilis; see dure 2, -able
Explanation
Something that is built to last is durable. Your most durable pair of hiking boots will last you through your trek to the summit of Mount Everest. Anything that's long-lasting, sturdy, or doesn't bend under pressure can be described as durable. You could have a durable relationship with your oldest friend, durable tires on your car, and a durable umbrella — they won't let you down or break. The Latin root of durable is durabilis, which means "lasting or permanent," and comes from durare, "to harden."
Vocabulary lists containing durable
100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"
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This Week in Words: February 9 - 15, 2019
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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.
“Our technology and products are well positioned to create value for our customers and generate growing and durable free cash flow,” he said.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026
Future work will focus on producing practical cutting tools, testing the process with additional materials, and finding ways to make the finished components even more durable.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026
"The Takaichi government is moving into an exciting new phase of Abenomics, as nearly 15 years of powerful stimulus have created durable, robust underlying economic dynamics," he added.
From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 2026
They were replaced with another genuine pair in 2002, but the new set will be more durable and less controversial.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026
I know her golden armor is durable enough to break through a building, but the thicket is a different beast entirely.
From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
