Durability: meaning, definitions and examples

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durability

 

[ˌdʊərəˈbɪlɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in engineering

The ability of a material or product to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time.

Synonyms

resilience, robustness, strength, toughness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
durability

Commonly used to describe how long something lasts without breaking or wearing out, often used for materials or products.

  • The durability of the new smartphone is impressive
  • This jacket is known for its durability in harsh weather
resilience

Refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or adapt to change, often used in a psychological or environmental context.

  • Her resilience after the accident was truly inspiring
  • The ecosystem showed remarkable resilience after the natural disaster
strength

Refers to the physical power of something or someone, often used for physical, structural, or metaphorical contexts.

  • The bridge was built to ensure maximum strength and safety
  • She has shown great strength in overcoming her challenges
robustness

Indicates the ability of something to perform well under a variety of conditions or to withstand adverse conditions, typically used in technical or engineering contexts.

  • The robustness of the software makes it ideal for high-traffic websites
  • This vehicle's robustness ensures it can handle off-road conditions
toughness

Describes the ability to endure rough conditions, implying some level of roughness or hardness. Can be used for both physical and metaphorical situations.

  • Military training is designed to build both physical and mental toughness
  • The toughness of the material makes it ideal for construction work

Examples of usage

  • The durability of the new building materials is being tested in extreme weather conditions.
  • This type of paint is known for its durability and long-lasting finish.
Context #2 | Noun

in general

The quality of being able to last for a long time without deterioration.

Synonyms

endurance, longevity, stability, sturdiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
durability

Refer to this when talking about how long something can last without breaking or wearing out.

  • The durability of this watch is impressive
  • The materials ensure the phone's durability
longevity

Applicable when discussing how long something or someone lasts, often used for lifespans or careers.

  • The longevity of this car engine is remarkable
  • His career's longevity is a testament to his skill
endurance

Best used when describing someone's ability to withstand physical or mental stress over time.

  • The athlete's endurance was tested during the marathon
  • She showed great endurance during the difficult project
sturdiness

Refers to something being strong and well-built, less likely to break or be damaged.

  • This table's sturdiness ensures it won't wobble
  • The sturdiness of the shoes makes them ideal for hiking
stability

Used to describe something that is firm, steady, and unlikely to change or fail.

  • The stability of the bridge is crucial for safety
  • She provided much-needed stability to the team

Examples of usage

  • This brand of shoes is popular for its durability and comfort.
  • The durability of the phone battery is impressive.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'durabilis,' meaning 'able to endure,' which reflects its core meaning.
  • In English, it began to be used in the late 15th century to describe things that can last over time.

Science

  • Materials with high durability can resist stress, abrasion, and other forms of wear and tear, making them ideal for construction.
  • Durability testing is critical in sectors like manufacturing to ensure products meet safety standards and perform well over time.

Economics

  • Durable goods are items that last over three years, like cars and appliances, impacting economic indicators by showing consumer confidence.
  • The durability of products can affect purchasing decisions; longer-lasting items may be more desirable even if they cost more upfront.

Cultural Impact

  • Certain cultures value durability in their craftsmanship, leading to handmade items that are designed to be passed down through generations.
  • The concept of sustainability in modern culture often ties back to durability, promoting items that can last longer and reduce waste.

Psychology

  • Consumers often associate durability with quality, affecting their emotional connection to brands and products.
  • The satisfaction of owning durable items can lead to feelings of security and stability, enhancing the overall consumer experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "durability" in other languages:

🇵🇹 durabilidade

🇮🇳 टिकाऊपन

🇩🇪 Haltbarkeit

🇮🇩 daya tahan

🇺🇦 довговічність

🇵🇱 trwałość

🇯🇵 耐久性

🇫🇷 durabilité

🇪🇸 durabilidad

🇹🇷 dayanıklılık

🇰🇷 내구성

🇸🇦 متانة

🇨🇿 trvanlivost

🇸🇰 trvácnosť

🇨🇳 耐用性

🇸🇮 vzdržljivost

🇮🇸 ending

🇰🇿 төзімділік

🇬🇪 გამძლეობა

🇦🇿 davamlılıq

🇲🇽 durabilidad

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,296, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.