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: December 30, 2017 - January 5, 2018
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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.
Is he durable enough to count on late in a season?
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
The quarter’s steady Ebitda, stronger-than-expected revenue and signs of stabilizing block hours suggest that the core business remains durable.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
That, they argue, is opening space for new political experiments - and for figures like Vijay to test how far star power can translate into durable political authority.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
These materials need to be highly selective and durable, capable of operating under demanding chemical conditions without losing effectiveness.
From Science Daily • May 4, 2026
They were a lively, durable luxury, to be “love-loved!” as Helen would say, tweaking their feet.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
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.
