What does "durable" mean?

1. (long-lasting) strong and able to last a long time without breaking or wearing out. 2. (long-term goods) a product that you can use for a long time, like a washing machine or a car.

How do you use "durable"?

Often used to describe fabrics, materials, or physical objects. Usually used in the plural form 'durables' or as part of the phrase 'durable goods'.

durable

adj. · n.

US //ˈdʊɹəbəɫ// UK //djˈɔːɹəbəl// durable

1 long-lasting (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

strong and able to last a long time without breaking or wearing out.

able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; enduring and resistant to decay.

Example

These hiking boots are made of durable leather that can handle rocky paths.

Example

The manufacturer selected a durable synthetic polymer for the casing to ensure the device could survive repeated drops in industrial environments.

Usage

Often used to describe fabrics, materials, or physical objects.
- sturdy
- tough
- hard wearing
2 long-term goods (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Economics

a product that you can use for a long time, like a washing machine or a car.

a manufactured good that yields utility over a long period, typically defined as three years or more.

Example

Families often wait for a sale before buying expensive durables like refrigerators.

Example

Economists track the orders for consumer durables as a primary indicator of long-term confidence in the manufacturing sector.

Usage

Usually used in the plural form 'durables' or as part of the phrase 'durable goods'.
- hard goods
- durable goods
- non durables

Origin

From Middle English durable, from Old French durable, from Latin dūrābilis (“lasting, permanent”), from dūrō (“harden, make hard”).