durability

[ door-uh-bil-i-tee, dyoor- ]

noun

1. the ability to last over time, resisting wear, breakage, deterioration, etc.:

   Those who own this make of car really can't complain, given the high quality, dependability, and durability of their product lines.

Other Words From

• un·du·ra·bil·i·ty noun
• un·du·ra·ble·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of durability¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Latin dūrābili(s) + -tās noun suffix; durable ( def ), -ty ²( def )

Example Sentences

While he’s had some durability issues in Japan, pitching more than 100 innings in just two of his four seasons, he had a 2.10 ERA while averaging 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

From Los Angeles Times

Kirsi Niinimäki, a professor in design who researches the future of textiles at Finland’s Aalto University, says the solutions offered by these companies look “quite promising” – although she adds that she would like to see more specific information about issues like the fixing process and long-term studies on fabric durability.

From BBC

Cheap clothes have outperformed more expensive garments in durability testing conducted for the discount fashion industry.

From BBC

“We’re doing a lot more research to find out what dictates durability within a garment, but that’s not something we’ve found out yet.”

From BBC

Primark, which has faced repeated criticism for its "fast fashion" approach, said it hoped its new Durability Framework would help people get more wear from their purchases.

From BBC

Related Words

• endurance
• grit
• persistence
• stamina
• staying power