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Endurable

/ɪnˈdʊrəbl/

adjectiveB2

Definition

Endurable describes a situation, feeling, or experience that is possible to bear or stand without too much difficulty. It means something is not perfect or easy, but you can still manage it. People use this word to say that something is painful or hard but not impossible to deal with.

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⚡ See It in Action

Able to be tolerated or accepted despite difficulty or pain

  • •The cold weather was endurable with warm clothes.
  • •His headache was painful but endurable.
  • •The long wait was endurable because we had good books to read.

Strong enough to last or continue without breaking or failing

  • •The material is endurable and can be used for outdoor furniture.
  • •This phone case is endurable and protects well against drops.

🧲 Make It Stick

  • ✓Think of "endurable" like "okay" or "bearable" (A2 words), but with a stronger meaning—it means you can keep going even if it is hard.
  • ✓Picture holding a heavy bag: it’s not light, but you can still carry it without dropping it.
  • ✓It’s the feeling when you are tired but can still finish your homework or a job.
  • ✓Sounds like "in-DUR-able" → imagine DURing a long walk, you keep going because it is possible to continue.
  • ✓Think of a long story where the hero faces hard times but never gives up because the pain is endurable.
  • ✓NOT like "easy" (no pain or difficulty), but "endurable" means there is some difficulty, yet you can stand it.
  • ✓NOT like "unbearable" (too hard to stand), "endurable" means just the opposite—you can handle it.
  • ✓NOT like "comfortable" (pleasant), "endurable" means it might be uncomfortable but still manageable.

🔄 Try Other Words

  • •Tolerable: able to be accepted even if not pleasant (Use when the difficulty is mild or temporary)
  • •Bearable: possible to accept or endure (Use for everyday situations when something is hard but not too much)
  • •Sustainable: able to continue over time without harm (Use when talking about lasting strength or support)

🔍 Unboxing

  • •Prefix: "en-" meaning "to make" or "to cause"
  • •Root: "dur" from Latin "durare" meaning "to last" or "to harden"
  • •Suffix: "-able" meaning "can be done"
  • •Etymology: From Latin origin, meaning "able to last or be endured"
  • •Historical development: Used since the 1600s in English to describe things that can be tolerated or last over time
  • •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe pain, difficulty, or materials that can be managed or last without breaking

💭 Reflect & Connect

•When do you think it is important for something to be endurable in your life?
•Can you think of a time when something was not endurable and how you handled it?

Fill in the blanks with the correct word:

1.The noise was loud, but it was endurable because it was only for a ___ time.
2.She found the pain endurable ___ she took medicine regularly.
3.Unlike unbearable heat, this warm weather was just ___ enough to enjoy the day.
4.The old bridge is endurable, but it needs repairs to ___ safe for cars.
5.When problems are endurable, people usually ___ to continue working or living.
6.The endurable material helped the shoes last ___ many months of use.
7.His frustration was endurable, but the constant delays made him ___ upset.