weatherability: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Scientific / Industrial
Quick answer
What does “weatherability” mean?
The capacity of a material or object to endure or perform under exposure to weather conditions over time, especially resistance to degradation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The capacity of a material or object to endure or perform under exposure to weather conditions over time, especially resistance to degradation.
By extension, the long-term durability and performance of any system, product, or person under challenging, fluctuating, or adverse conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. The term is equally technical in both variants. British English may be marginally more likely in conservation/architectural contexts; American in industrial/engineering contexts.
Connotations
Neutral technical property in both. No significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language, confined to technical domains. Slightly higher frequency in American English due to larger industrial/material science literature.
Grammar
How to Use “weatherability” in a Sentence
The weatherability of [material/product][Material] exhibits/excels in/has [adjective] weatherability.to test/assess/improve weatherabilityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weatherability” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The coating is designed to weather well.
- The stone has weathered over centuries.
American English
- The product is tested to weather harsh conditions.
- The paint didn't weather the intense sun very well.
adverb
British English
- The material performed weather-resistantly.
- (Rare usage)
American English
- The product is built to last weather-wise.
- (Rare usage)
adjective
British English
- A weather-resistant finish is essential.
- They used weather-durable timber.
American English
- We need a weatherproof sealant.
- The fabric is weather-resistant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in product specifications, marketing for outdoor goods (e.g., 'Our patio furniture boasts exceptional weatherability').
Academic
Used in materials science, engineering, polymer chemistry, and conservation studies papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson would say 'how well it holds up in bad weather' or 'weather resistance'.
Technical
Primary domain. Precise term in standards (ASTM, ISO), testing protocols, and technical datasheets for coatings, plastics, textiles, etc.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weatherability”
- Misspelling as 'weatherbility' or 'weatherability'.
- Using it for short-term weather tolerance (e.g., 'This jacket has good weatherability for today's rain') instead of long-term durability.
- Confusing it with 'breathability'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency technical term used primarily in material science, engineering, and industrial product design.
'Durability' is a broad term for general longevity and resistance to wear. 'Weatherability' is a specific subtype of durability, focusing solely on resistance to outdoor environmental factors like sun, rain, wind, and temperature changes.
Not in a technical sense. It is a property of materials and manufactured products. Metaphorically, one might say 'the weatherability of the institution' to describe its resilience to political or economic 'storms,' but this is figurative and rare.
Through accelerated weathering tests in specialised chambers that simulate and intensify sunlight (UV), moisture, heat, and cold in repeated cycles, correlating the results to years of real-world exposure.
The capacity of a material or object to endure or perform under exposure to weather conditions over time, especially resistance to degradation.
Weatherability is usually technical / scientific / industrial in register.
Weatherability: in British English it is pronounced /ˌweðərəˈbɪləti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌweðərəˈbɪləti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly. Related idiom for the root verb: 'to weather the storm']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ABLE sailor weathering a storm at sea. WEATHER-ABILITY is the ship's ABILITY to handle the WEATHER.
Conceptual Metaphor
MATERIAL DURABILITY IS PHYSICAL RESILIENCE (like a person enduring hardship).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'weatherability' MOST appropriately used?