durable
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.strong and able to last a long time without breaking or wearing out.
adj.able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; enduring and resistant to decay.
Simple“These hiking boots are made of durable leather that can handle rocky paths.”
In context“The manufacturer selected a durable synthetic polymer for the casing to ensure the device could survive repeated drops in industrial environments.”
UsageOften used to describe fabrics, materials, or physical objects.
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a product that you can use for a long time, like a washing machine or a car.
n.a manufactured good that yields utility over a long period, typically defined as three years or more.
Simple“Families often wait for a sale before buying expensive durables like refrigerators.”
In context“Economists track the orders for consumer durables as a primary indicator of long-term confidence in the manufacturing sector.”
UsageUsually used in the plural form 'durables' or as part of the phrase 'durable goods'.
SynonymsAntonymsnon durables
“This shifts the balance toward stronger and more durable bone.”
“The instruction is older than any decade and more durable than any food product.”
From Middle English durable, from Old French durable, from Latin dūrābilis (“lasting, permanent”), from dūrō (“harden, make hard”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.