sustainable

American  

[suh-stey-nuh-buhl] / səˈsteɪ nə bəl /

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.

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sustainable British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of sustainable

sustain + -able

Explanation

If something is sustainable, then it can be maintained or continued. A 5-minute mile pace probably isn't sustainable for anyone other than Olympic marathon runners. These days this adjective is often used to describe something that has a low long-term effect on the environment, like "sustainable agriculture" — a method of farming that doesn’t ravage the land, deplete resources permanently, or produce a great deal of pollution. Break down the word into two parts: sustain and able, to visualize and remember that you're able to sustain something sustainable.

Example Sentences

I could take a very sustainable withdrawal rate of approximately $30,000 a month, assuming my long-term returns were 7%-8%.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

"We need to fundamentally change our business model and achieve structural, sustainable improvements -- in all areas and at all levels. If we fail to do that, we will jeopardise our future."

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

“This combination would meaningfully enhance our ability to meet customers’ growing demand for reliable and sustainable solutions and services in a rapidly evolving environment,” said Kone Chief Executive Philippe Delorme.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

"We can contribute to biodiversity, nature and climate change mitigation if we've got a fully functioning, sustainable and profitable sector."

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

These experiences are not part of a sustainable lifestyle, even a lifestyle of chronic deprivation and relentless low-level punishment.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Related Words

• continual
• continuous
• viable