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

“We can’t wait until 2040 to be in sustainability. We need to make sure we have demand management now,” said Tien Tran, a senior policy advocate for the group Community Water Center.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2024

"Clients are asking us more and more about sustainability. English sparkling and still wine feeds into that narrative," he said.

From Reuters • Oct. 16, 2023

"They're just seeking sustainability. They want to sustain themselves and their territory over the long term."

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2023

“They’re one of the first generations who have grown up with social media and sustainability. “That’s a big deal for places like us.”

From Washington Times • Jul. 15, 2017

“I’ve never been one to want fame. What I want is sustainability. But for a musician, that often comes with pushing your own name. I feel conflicted about that a lot.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2017