Pronunciation: [nˌɒndjˈʊ͡əɹəbə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "nondurables" refers to items that have a short lifespan, such as food or clothing. It is spelled with the prefix "non-" meaning "not" and the plural form of the word "durable." The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /nɑnˈdʊrəbəlz/. The "non-" prefix is pronounced as /nɑn/, while "durable" is pronounced as /ˈdʊrəbl/. The plural form is indicated by the suffix "-s," which is pronounced as /-əlz/.
Nondurables refer to a category of goods or products that have a short lifespan or are consumed or used relatively quickly. These items are typically consumed shortly after purchase or have a limited use, making them unsuitable for long-term storage or extended periods of time. Nondurables are distinct from durable goods, which are products that last for an extended period and typically require less frequent replacement.
Common examples of nondurables include perishable food items, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, or baked goods, which have a limited shelf life due to their susceptibility to spoilage. Additionally, nondurable goods encompass consumable products like toiletries, cleaning supplies, personal care items, and medications, which are used up or exhausted relatively quickly. Other examples of nondurables are disposable goods like paper products, such as tissues, paper towels, and disposable plates, as well as batteries or light bulbs, which have a limited lifespan.
As a category of goods, nondurables are often contrasted with durable goods, which include products like appliances, electronics, furniture, and automobiles that are designed to last longer and have a more extended period of use before replacement is necessary. Understanding the distinction between durables and nondurables is essential for analyzing consumer behavior, economic production, and market dynamics, as the two categories have distinct consumption and production patterns.
The word "nondurables" is derived from the combination of the prefix "non-" meaning "not" or "without" and the noun "durables".
The noun "durable" is derived from the Latin word "dūrābilis", which is derived from "dūrāre", meaning "to last" or "to endure". It entered the English language in the 15th century and initially referred to something that was long-lasting or able to withstand wear and tear. Over time, "durable" came to specifically describe objects or goods that are designed to be used repeatedly or over an extended period.
The prefix "non-" is a Latin-derived prefix widely used in English to indicate negation or absence. It is added to words to create their opposites or indicate exceptions.
