Definition

Noun 1. Consumer goods that are not destroyed by use: "Durables" refers to manufactured consumer products that are not consumed or worn out in a single use and are expected to provide utility over a long period, typically several years.

Usage

• The term "durables" is primarily used in economic, business, and retail contexts to categorize long-lasting consumer goods.
• It is often used in the plural form and is synonymous with the phrase "durable goods."
• Common examples include appliances, furniture, and automobiles.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Economic Indicator: In macroeconomics, "durables orders" or "durable goods orders" are a key leading indicator of economic health, measuring new purchase orders for long-lasting manufactured goods.
  • Analysts were encouraged by the strong durables data, suggesting business investment is growing.
• Contrast with Nondurables: "Durables" are explicitly contrasted with "nondurable goods" (or "nondurables"), which are consumed quickly or have a short lifespan, such as food, clothing, and fuel.
  • The truck carries both durables for the furniture store and nondurables like paper products for the supermarket.

Variants and Related Words

• Durable goods (n): The full, formal term for "durables." Used interchangeably.
  • The data for durable goods shipments was revised upward.
• Durability (n): The quality of being able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.
  • The durability of this sofa is one of its main selling points.
• Nondurables (n): Consumer goods that are used up quickly or have a short lifespan.
  • Spending on nondurables such as gasoline and groceries remained steady.

Synonyms

• Hard goods
• Durable goods
• Long-lasting goods

Antonyms

• Nondurables (nondurable goods)
• Consumables
• Soft goods (often referring to textiles and clothing)

Noun

1. consumer goods that are not destroyed by use