durability
/ˌdjʊərəˈbɪləti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdʊrəˈbɪləti/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌd(y)u̇rəˈbilətē -ətē, -i/ (ame, mw)
durability — noun
1. the ability of an object or material to stay in good condition for a long period
the ability of an object or material to stay in good condition for a long period of time, even when used often or exposed to difficult conditions.
The ceramic tiles were chosen for their durability in the kitchen's humid environment.
durability in + [challenging environment]
Lucas tested the tent's durability by leaving it in heavy rain for a week.
Engineers check the durability of concrete before approving it for bridges.
The durability of wool carpets makes them a smart choice for busy homes.
This phone case is known for its durability after being dropped many times.
- sturdiness
focuses on solid construction rather than resistance to wear over time
- robustness
more technical, often used for systems and machinery
- resilience
emphasises the ability to recover from damage rather than avoid it
文法句型
the durability of + noun phrase
noun + durability
durability in + [environment]
用法筆記
Typically describes physical objects, materials, and products rather than living things. Often paired with nouns like 'fabric', 'material', 'equipment', or 'product'.
常見錯誤
2. the quality of staying present, effective, or relevant over a long period, espec
the quality of staying present, effective, or relevant over a long period, especially for systems, institutions, traditions, or ideas.
Hyun drove past three supermarkets to reach the farmers' market, a testament to its durability.
a testament to + [possessive] durability
Adisa walked through the border village where the ceasefire's durability meant children could play outside.
Throughout the recession, Caleb's bakery showed real durability as customers lined up at his counter.
Historians study the durability of ancient trade routes that linked distant civilizations.
The 1998 treaty produced a monument that visitors still see as proof of the agreement's durability.
- persistence
suggests continued existence through active effort
- longevity
focuses on lifespan rather than resistance to challenges
- continuity
emphasises uninterrupted existence
- transience
the quality of lasting only a short time
- impermanence
the state of not lasting forever
文法句型
the durability of + [abstract noun]
用法筆記
Subject is usually an abstract concept such as a system, institution, tradition, or relationship. Less common than sense 1, and typically found in formal or academic writing.
常見錯誤
3. a person's ability to keep working or performing an activity over extended perio
a person's ability to keep working or performing an activity over extended periods without tiring or sustaining injury.
Marathon runners train for months to build the durability needed for the 42-kilometer race.
build the durability needed for + [activity]
The night-shift nurse relied on her physical durability to get through twelve-hour shifts.
physical durability
Yumi's durability on the tennis court impressed the coach during the five-hour match.
Construction workers develop muscular durability from years of heavy lifting.
Good sleep and a balanced diet improve both mental and physical durability.
- stamina
more common in everyday speech; equally informal
- endurance
slightly more formal, often used for sustained effort
- resilience
emphasises bouncing back from fatigue or injury
文法句型
[possessive] + durability
physical / mental durability
durability needed for + [activity]
用法筆記
Often modified by 'physical' or 'mental' to specify the type of stamina. Frequently used in sports, healthcare, and manual-labour contexts. 'Endurance' and 'stamina' are more common synonyms in everyday speech.