durable

American  

[door-uh-buhl, dyoor-] / ˈdʊər ə bəl, ˈdyʊər- /

adjective

1. able to resist wear, decay, etc., well; lasting; enduring.

   Synonyms:

   permanent

   Antonyms:

   transitory, weak

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noun

1. durables. durable goods.

durable British  

/ ˈdjʊərəbəl /

adjective

1. long-lasting; enduring

   a durable fabric

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• durably
  adverb
• durability
  noun
• undurable
  adjective
• undurably
  adverb
• durableness
  noun

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."

Related Words

• dependable
• enduring
• lasting
• permanent
• reliable
• stable
• strong
• tenacious