sustainable

[suh-stey-nuh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable of being supported or upheld, as by having its weight borne from below.

2. pertaining to a system that maintains its own viability by using techniques that allow for continual reuse.

   sustainable agriculture. Aquaculture is a sustainable alternative to overfishing.

3. able to be maintained or kept going, as an action or process.

   a sustainable negotiation between the two countries.

4. able to be confirmed or upheld.

   a sustainable decision.

5. able to be supported as with the basic necessities or sufficient funds.

   a sustainable life.

sustainable

/ səˈsteɪnəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being sustained

2. (of economic development, energy sources, etc) capable of being maintained at a steady level without exhausting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage

   sustainable development

3. (of economic growth) non-inflationary

Other Word Forms

• sustainability noun
• nonsustainable adjective
• nonsustainability noun
• unsustainable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sustainable¹

sustain + -able

Example Sentences

Although colony losses occurred steadily through 2020, there were several years in which beekeepers reported sustainable colonies and it looked as though bees might have escaped danger.

Read more on Literature

Its revenue growth has decelerated sharply as the company shifts its approach to focus on supporting merchants and the sustainable development of its platforms.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"This is only possible with very strict capital control, which no other country could have on a sustainable basis."

Read more on BBC

A sustainable marketplace would look more like the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: The government makes a predictable contribution pegged to a lower-cost, benchmark plan; consumers who choose pricier options pay the difference.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Ever an innovator in sustainable fashion, this midi skirt from Gabriela Hearst features soft leather in a feminine silhouette but with a raw-cut hem that references the power of nature.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• continual 
• continuous 
• viable