B2noun2K

Duration

UK /["/djuˈreɪʃn/"]/US /["/duˈreɪʃn/"]/

Definition

the length of time that something lasts or continues

In simple words: The length of time something lasts.

Examples

  • The school was used as a hospital for the duration of the war.
  • a contract of three years’ duration
  • Taking antibiotics will shorten the duration of the illness.
  • The next contract will be of shorter duration.
  • The overall duration of the flight was 11 hours.
  • His wife and children had gone for the duration to the Lake District to escape the bombs.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Refers to time periods, such as how long a movie is or how long an event lasts. Avoid using it in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'duration' as a 'duration of a vacation' — how long the fun lasts.

Collocations

  • brief
  • short
  • limited
  • decrease
  • reduce
  • shorten
  • for the duration (of)
  • of… duration
  • throughout the duration of

Synonyms

  • length
  • span
  • period
  • timeframe
  • extent

Antonyms

  • moment
  • instant

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'session', which refers to a specific meeting or period of activity.
  • Using it incorrectly as a verb, e.g., 'to duration something.'
  • Mixing it up with 'interval,' which refers to a break or pause rather than the length.