English Reference
Noun

durability

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /dɝəˈbɪɫɪti/ UK /djˌɔːɹəbˈɪlɪti/ dura·bil·i·ty UK spelling durabilities

n.the ability of something to stay in good condition for a long time, even if it is used a lot. You look for this when buying things like shoes or tools that you want to last.

n.the capacity of a physical object or material to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over an extended period. Often used in technical or commercial contexts to describe product quality.


SIMPLE

The durability of these boots is impressive.

CONTEXTUAL

When choosing materials for the new bridge, engineers prioritized durability over aesthetic appeal to ensure long-term safety.

COMPLEX

While the initial cost of synthetic fabrics is lower, the superior durability of natural leather often makes it a more sustainable investment for high-traffic furniture.

Usage

Uncountable in its general sense; occasionally countable when referring to specific types of resistant properties in materials science.

Zirconia is considered the gold-standard material for permanent dental work because of its strength and durability.

ScienceDaily· 23 Aug 2026

Hrgovic is known for his durability but struggled to keep pace with the Briton's speed early on.

BBC News· 29 Aug 2026

From Middle English durabilite, from Old French durabilité, from Latin dūrābilitās (“durability”). Corresponding to durable + -ity.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin dūrābilitās
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated