durability

Everyday

1. Durability is how long something lasts and how well it stands up to use, wear and damage. tree →
2. In science and design it is a property of a material, like strength or flexibility. tree →

In the lessons

Design and technology and science lessons: choosing materials for durability (a school bag, shoes, bridges). Shopping: durable goods last longer. Phrases: durability test, for durability, built for durability.

Examples

• We tested the durability of three fabrics by rubbing them with sandpaper. tree →
• Plastic is chosen for lunch boxes because of its durability. tree →
• These boots are famous for their durability. tree →
• Stone gives the castle walls great durability. tree →
• The durability of the toy was poor; it broke in a day. tree →
• Engineers check the durability of a bridge. tree →
• "The clay figure was lifelike and beautiful, but it had not the whiteness or the durability of marble. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Durable = lasting long; durability is the noun. Not the same as hardness: glass is hard but not very durable when dropped. In a fair test, keep everything the same except the material.