Explanation at your level:
Something is durable if it is strong. If you have a durable bag, you can carry many books and it will not break. It is a good word for things you use every day.
You use durable to describe clothes or tools that are very strong. For example, a durable jacket is good for cold weather because it does not rip easily. It helps you save money because you don't need to buy new things often.
In this level, we use durable to talk about product quality. When buying furniture or electronics, people look for durable materials. It is the opposite of 'fragile' or 'disposable'. Using this word shows you care about quality and long-term value.
Durable is frequently used in business and consumer contexts. We talk about durable goods as a category of the economy. It suggests that an object can withstand significant wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for professional or heavy-duty environments.
Beyond physical objects, durable can describe abstract concepts like 'durable peace' or 'durable solutions'. It implies a sense of permanence and resilience against external pressures. Using it this way elevates your writing, showing that you understand how to apply physical descriptors to complex situations.
In a literary or academic sense, durable touches upon the philosophical concept of endurance. It links to the Latin durare, suggesting an inherent resistance to entropy. Authors might use it to describe legacies, institutions, or even memories that persist despite the passage of time, emphasizing their structural integrity and historical weight.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Durable means long-lasting.
- Used for physical objects.
- Opposite of fragile.
- Common in product reviews.
When we call something durable, we are giving it a high compliment for its strength. It means that the item is built to last and won't fall apart after just a few uses.
Think of your favorite pair of hiking boots. If they are durable, they can handle mud, rocks, and miles of walking without the soles coming off. It is a word that suggests quality and reliability in manufacturing.
The word durable comes from the Old French word durable, which traces back to the Latin durabilis. This Latin root comes from durare, meaning 'to last' or 'to harden'.
Interestingly, this is the same root that gives us the word during. It implies that something has the power to endure through time. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe things that resist decay.
You will most often hear durable used to talk about consumer goods. It is a very common term in marketing, where companies want to emphasize that their products are a good investment.
Common phrases include durable goods, which refers to items like cars or appliances that don't need to be replaced frequently. It is a neutral-to-formal word, perfect for both casual conversation and professional product descriptions.
While 'durable' itself isn't always in an idiom, it relates to concepts like built to last, meaning something is constructed with durability in mind. Another expression is stand the test of time, which means something is so durable or valuable that it remains relevant for years.
We also say tough as nails to describe something extremely durable, or heavy-duty for items built for extreme conditions.
Durable is an adjective. It does not have a plural form. You can use it with adverbs like highly, extremely, or very to emphasize its quality.
Pronounced /ˈdjʊərəbl/ in British English and /ˈdʊrəbl/ in American English. It rhymes with words like curable and endurable. Stress is placed on the first syllable.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'duration', meaning the length of time something lasts.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'dure-a-bull'
Sounds like 'door-a-bull'
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'u' as 'oo'
- Stressing the second syllable
- Adding an extra 'r' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
Adjective order
A durable blue bag
Comparative adjectives
More durable than
Adverbs of degree
Very durable
Examples by Level
This bag is durable.
bag is strong
adjective after verb
The toy is durable.
toy is hard to break
simple sentence
My shoes are durable.
shoes last long
plural noun
It is a durable coat.
coat is strong
adjective before noun
Are these pants durable?
are they strong
question form
I want a durable phone.
I need a strong phone
verb want + object
This material is very durable.
the fabric is strong
adverb modifier
The box is durable.
the box is not weak
simple subject
These jeans are very durable.
We need durable tires for the truck.
This plastic is known to be durable.
She bought a durable backpack for school.
Is this table durable enough for kids?
The tent is made of durable fabric.
He prefers durable work boots.
This watch is durable and waterproof.
The company is famous for its durable products.
We are looking for a more durable solution to this problem.
The floor is made of durable hardwood.
These batteries are highly durable.
It is a durable design that has lasted years.
The hiking gear must be durable.
They invested in durable equipment for the lab.
A durable finish protects the wood from scratches.
The long-term success depends on a durable peace agreement.
The car's engine is incredibly durable.
We need a more durable strategy for our marketing.
The architecture is noted for its durable materials.
He built a durable career in the industry.
The fabric is both stylish and durable.
It is a durable alternative to disposable plastic.
The structure proved to be surprisingly durable.
The agreement provides a durable framework for cooperation.
The author creates a durable legacy through her writing.
We seek a durable resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The institution has shown a remarkable and durable resilience.
The paint provides a durable coating against the elements.
His influence on the field has been remarkably durable.
The treaty aims to establish a durable political stability.
The design is a testament to the durable nature of the craft.
The durable nature of the stone ensures the monument survives.
The durable bonds of friendship survived the distance.
We must foster a more durable economic model.
The durable quality of the prose ensures its place in history.
The durable power of the myth remains relevant today.
The durable structure of the law provides social order.
The durable pigments have kept the painting vibrant.
The durable impact of the discovery changed the world.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"Built to last"
Constructed to be durable
Our house was built to last.
neutral"Stand the test of time"
To remain durable/relevant
This classic car has stood the test of time.
neutral"Tough as nails"
Very strong and durable
That old truck is tough as nails.
casual"Heavy-duty"
Designed for hard work
I bought heavy-duty gloves.
neutral"Wear and tear"
Damage from regular use
The carpet shows signs of wear and tear.
neutral"Iron-clad"
Extremely strong/durable
He has an iron-clad defense.
formalEasily Confused
Both imply strength
Resilient is about bouncing back; durable is about not breaking.
A rubber ball is resilient; a stone is durable.
Both mean strong
Sturdy is more about physical build.
A sturdy chair.
Both mean hard to break
Tough is more informal.
That's a tough material.
Similar root
Enduring is often for abstract things.
An enduring memory.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + durable
The boots are durable.
Subject + is + very + durable
This fabric is very durable.
Durable + noun
He bought durable gear.
Subject + needs + durable + noun
I need durable shoes.
Subject + is + more + durable + than + noun
This is more durable than that.
Familia de palabras
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Relacionado
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
Durable doesn't take 'to break' directly.
Durability is a noun, durable is the adjective.
Use 'over time' for duration.
While 'durable' is okay, 'hard-wearing' is more idiomatic for clothes.
Just use the adjective directly.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a wall that never cracks.
Marketing
Look for this word in ads.
Consumerism
It implies value for money.
Adjective
It describes nouns.
The 'u'
Focus on the 'dure' sound.
Not a verb
Don't say 'it durables'.
Latin roots
It means 'to last'.
Flashcards
Use it in a sentence.
Context
Use it for gear.
Comparison
Use 'more durable'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
DUR-able: DURation is the key.
Visual Association
A diamond that never scratches.
Word Web
Desafío
Describe three things in your room that are durable.
Origen de la palabra
Latin
Original meaning: To last
Contexto cultural
None.
Commonly used in advertisements for cars, tools, and outdoor gear.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Shopping
- Is this durable?
- I need something durable.
Work
- We need durable materials.
- This is a durable solution.
Travel
- I need a durable suitcase.
Home
- This floor is very durable.
Conversation Starters
"What is the most durable thing you own?"
"Do you prefer durable items or cheap ones?"
"Why is it important for clothes to be durable?"
"Can you name a brand known for durable products?"
"What makes a product durable?"
Journal Prompts
Describe an object you own that has lasted a long time.
Why do you think some modern products are not durable?
Write about a time a durable item saved you money.
What qualities make a person 'durable' in life?
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasYes, but durable specifically implies strength over time.
Usually not; use 'resilient' instead.
Durability.
Yes, it is a compliment.
No, the ending sounds similar but the stress is different.
No, use 'long-lasting' for food.
Yes, very often.
No, it means long-lasting.
Ponte a prueba
This bag is very ___.
Durable means strong.
Which word means the same as durable?
Strong is a synonym.
Durable items break easily.
Durable means the opposite.
Word
Significado
Matching synonyms and antonyms.
Subject + verb + adverb + adjective.
Puntuación: /5
Summary
Durable means built to withstand the test of time and heavy use.
- Durable means long-lasting.
- Used for physical objects.
- Opposite of fragile.
- Common in product reviews.
Memory Palace
Imagine a wall that never cracks.
Marketing
Look for this word in ads.
Consumerism
It implies value for money.
Adjective
It describes nouns.
Ejemplo
牛仔裤通常都很耐穿。
