sustained

[suh-steynd]

adjective

1. kept in process or continued over time; continuous.

   National budgets need to reflect a sustained commitment to children's positive development, strong families, and caring communities.

2. (of an injury, cost, etc.) borne, experienced, or suffered.

   Homeowner’s insurance is not available to cover sustained losses from a radiological accident.

3. upheld or confirmed as valid.

   Nothing smacks more of courtroom defeat than ending a cross-examination on a sustained objection.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of sustain.

Other Word Forms

• sustainedly adverb
• nonsustained adjective
• presustained adjective
• unsustained adjective
• well-sustained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sustained¹

sustain ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

The sweeping changes announced by the federal government follows years of financial losses sustained by the postal service, which faces reduced demand and stiff competition from private parcel delivery services.

From BBC

While the exact cause of death is yet to be determined, preliminary indications suggest it may be linked to internal injuries sustained during his recent fight.

From BBC

Ultimately, she explained, "cutting off rats' food source is the key to a sustained reduction".

From BBC

The sustained pressure campaign began in January with an executive order to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the federal government, which resulted in the Smithsonian Institution shuttering its office of diversity.

From Los Angeles Times

It crossed the mainland with sustained winds of 144km/h and higher gusts.

From BBC

Related Words

• constant 
• continued 
• continuous 
• uninterrupted