Duration — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /du̇-ˈrā-shən/ du·ra·tion

Meaning & Definition of Duration

Duration (noun)

  1. continuance in time
  2. the time during which something exists or lasts

Duration (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the period during which something exists, lasts, or is in progress

    "for the whole duration of the speech the bored audience fidgeted"

    similar: continuance, date, life, lifespan, lifetime, run, standing, time
    related: spell, stretch, span, tenure, term, hitch, tour, turn, half-life, age, longevity

  2. uninterrupted or lasting existence

    "scientists warning that the very duration of our civilization depends upon finding a solution to this major environmental problem"

    similar: abidance, ceaselessness, continuance, continuation, continuity, continuousness, durability, endurance, persistence, subsistence
    related: drawing out, elongation, extension, lengthening, prolongation, prolonging, stretching, enduringness, permanence, survival
    opposite: cessation, close, discontinuance, discontinuity, end, ending, expiration, finish, stoppage, surcease, termination
    near: abridgment, curtailment, cutback, shortening

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Duration

The most common words with a similar meaning to Duration:

continuance, date, life, lifespan, lifetime, run, standing, time, abidance, ceaselessness, continuation, continuity, continuousness, durability, endurance, persistence, subsistence

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Duration

Words with the opposite meaning of Duration:

cessation, close, discontinuance, discontinuity, end, ending, expiration, finish, stoppage, surcease, termination

Related Words for Duration

spell, stretch, span, tenure, term, hitch, tour, turn, half-life, age, longevity, drawing out, elongation, extension, lengthening, prolongation, prolonging, stretching, enduringness, permanence, survival

Near Antonyms of Duration

abridgment, curtailment, cutback, shortening

Origin & Etymology of Duration

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Duration

Words & Phrases Containing Duration

for the duration

Frequently Asked Questions about Duration

What does "Duration" mean?

"Duration" means continuance in time. As a noun, it is defined as: continuance in time. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Duration"?

Other words for "Duration" include continuance, date, life, lifespan, lifetime, run, standing and time. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Duration" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Duration"?

There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Duration". Common alternatives include continuance, date, life, lifespan, lifetime, run, standing, time, abidance and ceaselessness.

What is the opposite of "Duration"?

Antonyms of "Duration" include cessation, close, discontinuance, discontinuity, end, ending, expiration and finish. Near antonyms include abridgment, curtailment, cutback and shortening.

How do you use "Duration" in a sentence?

Examples of "Duration" in a sentence: "for the whole duration of the speech the bored audience fidgeted"; "scientists warning that the very duration of our civilization depends upon finding a solution to this major environmental problem".

Is "Duration" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Duration" is a noun.

Is "Duration" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Duration" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Duration"?

"Duration" is pronounced /du̇-ˈrā-shən/ and divided into syllables as du·ra·tion.