sustainability

American  

[suh-stey-nuh-bil-i-tee] / səˌsteɪ nəˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the ability to be sustained, supported, upheld, or confirmed.

2. Environmental Science. the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.

   The committee is developing sustainability standards for products that use energy.

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Etymology

Origin of sustainability

sustain + -ability

Explanation

"Sustain" means to last over time, so sustainability is the ability of something to last. As a civilization, we are concerned about the sustainability of our planet. Sustainability became a big idea after people began to realize that we were using up our natural resources, so you’re most likely to come across the word when you’re reading about recycling and energy use. If you hear someone talking about sustainability in the context of energy, they’re probably talking about alternatives to oil or coal — both of which will run out in the future. A sustainable source of energy is something that's always there — like water or wind.

Example Sentences

However, uncertainty remains around the impact of Eli Lilly’s rival obesity pill launch and the sustainability of oral Wegovy momentum throughout the year, the bank says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The ceremony honored achievements in fashion across several categories including ready-to-wear, jewelry, accessories, graduate design and sustainability.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

“We think the market is significantly undervaluing earnings power and sustainability of this cycle,” Newman said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

The eight-week programme is being held at the group's field in Sion and involves planting hedges, weeding, watering and studying the concept of sustainability.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Mom said he went there on vacation one time, instead of going to give lectures on sustainability.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy