What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sturdy
Example
The sturdy oak table held up under the weight of the heavy books. [sturdy: adjective]
Example
He was a sturdy man who could lift heavy weights with ease. [sturdy: adjective]
Example
The sturdy backpack lasted for years without any signs of wear and tear. [sturdy: adjective]
durable
Example
The durable hiking boots lasted for years without any signs of wear and tear. [durable: adjective]
Example
The durable plastic container was able to hold up under extreme temperatures. [durable: adjective]
Example
The durable fabric of the sofa made it resistant to stains and spills. [durable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Durable is more commonly used than sturdy in everyday language. Durable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sturdy is less common and refers to physical strength and robustness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sturdy and durable?
Both sturdy and durable are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
