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

Petit said that younger consumers do care about sustainability.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

The acquisition signals a sharp change of course for Everlane, which has centered itself on sustainability and transparency.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Over the past decade, brands emphasizing quality, sustainability and ethical production were rewarded with legions of shoppers and sky-high valuations.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Lauren Junestrand, innovation and sustainability network manager at the UK Fashion and Textile Association says, "The UK has huge potential to incorporate robotics."

From BBC • May 18, 2026

I hardly feel equipped to enter eighth grade, much less become a planetary leader in sustainability.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer