What does it mean for a material to be durable?

A material is considered durable when it has the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over an extended period. This means that a durable material is characterized by its strength and longevity, making it suitable for various applications where it needs to perform reliably without having to be replaced frequently. This quality is particularly important in construction, manufacturing, and product design, where the longevity of materials can significantly impact overall performance and cost-effectiveness.

The other options do not capture the essence of durability. Being lightweight relates to a material's mass rather than its resilience. If a material can be easily damaged, this directly contradicts the definition of durability, as it implies susceptibility to wear or degradation. Finally, aesthetic appeal is about visual characteristics and does not relate to a material’s ability to endure over time. Hence, the focus on lasting performance establishes why the idea of durability is best represented by longevity.