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Is there a word for the quality of something "holding up well over time"?

For example, some blockbusters from years past have special effects that are still fairly good when compared to today's movies.

I would also consider the term when referring to classical works such as Shakespeare, etc.

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Depending on whether it is a physical item or not, you might look at durable and enduring respectively. Things like Shakespeare can also be said to have a lasting effect on the culture.

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  • When speaking of physical objects, we often say "durable". Like, "This car has lasted me for 20 years because it was built to be durable." I've never heard that word used for something like a book or movie that has survived the test of time. "Enduring" is commonly used there.
    – Jay
    Oct 12, 2012 at 14:33
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You can refer to such films and other art works as classic:

a : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value
b : traditional, enduring

For example, "Blade Runner is a classic sci-fi film."

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  • +1 for good taste in films, but the OP already used 'classic'! ~ "I would also consider the term when referring to classical works such as Shakespeare" Oct 12, 2012 at 14:36
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Consider the following:

wears well
holds up
has legs

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Indeed, for art or literature, "enduring" or "classic" or even "enduring classic" works well.

For tangible objects, "well-used" conveys the idea.

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  • While well used has the word 'well' in it, the word 'used' is not necessarily a compliment. Time-tested also works. Jan 31, 2017 at 16:35
  • Agreed. Also, for intangibles, my absolute favorite (though not a single word) is time-honored.
    – Jeffiekins
    Jan 31, 2017 at 19:51
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You can say that something like that is "timeless".

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