nonrenewable

/ ˌnɒnrɪˈnjuːəbəl /

adjective

1. not able to be restored, replaced, recommenced, etc

   nonrenewable resources

nonrenewable

1. Relating to a natural resource, such as petroleum or a mineral ore, that cannot be replaced once it has been extracted or procured. Nonrenewable resources that are not significantly altered by their use, including most metals, can often be recovered and their usefulness extended by recycling.

2. Compare renewable

Example Sentences

Because of climate policies, these states closed most of their coal-fired power plants and nuclear facilities over the past 15 years, making nonrenewable energy generation more difficult.

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“Humans will have to learn to be very, very careful with how we use nonrenewable resources like water,” LaBarge says.

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Coal energy has three main advantages when compared to other sources of renewable and nonrenewable energy.

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Though for many the financial aspect is motivation enough for making the switch, Brian Henning said the environmental implications are especially great in Washington, which utilizes hydroelectric power as opposed to other, nonrenewable sources.

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Some economists also expect fertilizer-grade phosphorus costs to skyrocket as the world’s supply of the nonrenewable resource dwindles.

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