nonrenewable

British  

/ ˌnɒnrɪˈnjuːəbəl /

adjective

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

   nonrenewable resources

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nonrenewable Scientific  

/ nŏn′rĭ-no̅o̅′ə-bəl /

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

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Example Sentences

The nonrenewable gas is produced by radioactive decay deep under the earth and escapes into space once released.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

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

From Science Magazine • May 2, 2023

Oregon and Washington, meanwhile, are working to ensure crypto mining operations eventually can’t buy power from nonrenewable sources in order to meet their energy demands.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 13, 2023

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

From Encyclopedia.com • Feb. 13, 2018

Net yields from nonrenewable reserves, residues and substitutes had dwindled until exhaustion was certain and a timeline predictable.

From The Universe — or Nothing by Moldeven, Meyer