durability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "durability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability of an object or material to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time. Example: "The durability of this smartphone is impressive, as it can survive drops and water exposure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Arsenal have not won a trophy since 2005 and, although they sit two points clear at the top of the Premier League with 14 matches to play, nagging doubts remain about their durability.

The Guardian - Sport

Two of them concern the fate of two party leaders while the other relates to the overall durability of devolution and power-sharing at Stormont.

The Guardian

Before that, he was a paragon of health and durability in Minnesota.

The New York Times - Sports

She admired their durability then, the fact that they would long outlast her.

The Economist

These can be used to make superhydrophobic coatings that would greatly improve the efficiency and durability of machines like steam turbines and desalination plants, says Mr Varanasi.

The Economist

But he rejected the idea of American decline, saying that was an old theory, which had been repeatedly belied by the existence of "a vibrancy to our economic model, a durability to our political model, and a set of ideals that has sustained us through difficult times".The Economist went to press before the G20 summit ended.

The Economist

Given the unprecedented nature of this collapse in productivity (see Chart 1.4 of the Autumn Statement for example), both historically and compared to other countries, it is the key to understanding the durability of any recovery.

The Economist

Whatever the durability of the right's vote nationwide, what counts in the headlines are the big cities, and the first round offered the right little comfort.

The Economist

When her youthful idealism kicked in, its strength and durability more than made up for its delayed onset.

The Economist

But are "military-standard" durability, a 1.11-inch-thick tablet, or the Compaq's immediate availability and cheap price worth it?

The Economist

Eurobond ReprintsAfter the launch of the euro in 1999 the bond markets were quick to shake off their doubts about the durability of monetary union without a common fiscal or economic policy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the longevity and reliability of a product, use "durability" to highlight its ability to withstand wear and tear over an extended period.

Common error

Avoid using "durability" as the only selling point. Balance the discussion by addressing other important factors like aesthetics, functionality, and cost-effectiveness to create a well-rounded perspective.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "durability" is as a noun. It refers to the quality of being able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage, making it suitable for describing the lasting nature of materials, products, or systems, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "durability" functions as a noun that emphasizes the ability of something to withstand wear, pressure, or damage. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in contexts related to news, business, and science. It's used to convey longevity and reliability, often in a neutral to professional register. Common usage involves highlighting a product's long-lasting quality. Related terms include "resilience" and "sturdiness". When using "durability", remember to balance it with other important aspects like functionality and aesthetics. "Durability" is a very common and important attribute across various fields, demonstrating its widespread relevance and importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-lasting quality

Focuses on the attribute of lasting for a significant amount of time, emphasizing longevity.

resistance to wear

Highlights the ability to withstand damage from repeated use or exposure.

ability to endure

Emphasizes the capacity to withstand hardship or stress over time.

structural integrity

Refers to the soundness and stability of a structure, ensuring it remains intact.

lasting strength

Combines the concepts of longevity and physical power or resilience.

robustness

Indicates a quality of being strong and healthy, able to withstand adverse conditions.

resilience

Focuses on the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or toughness.

stability

Emphasizes the state of being firmly established or resistant to change or displacement.

imperishability

Highlights the characteristic of not being subject to decay or destruction.

sturdiness

Suggests a quality of being strongly and solidly built.

FAQs

How can I use "durability" in a sentence?

You can use "durability" to describe the ability of something to last for a long time or withstand damage. For example, "The "durability of the material" ensures it will last for years."

What are some alternatives to the word "durability"?

Alternatives to "durability" include "resilience", "sturdiness", and "longevity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "durability" a formal or informal word?

"Durability" is generally considered a neutral to formal word, suitable for both professional and general contexts. Its formality depends on the surrounding vocabulary.

What contributes to the "durability" of a product?

Factors contributing to "durability" include the quality of materials used, the design and construction methods, and the intended usage conditions. Regular maintenance can also enhance "durability".