sustainable

[suh-stey-nuh-buhl]

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.

sustainable

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sustainable¹

sustain + -able

Example Sentences

However Finlay Asher, an aerospace engineer and member of Safe Landing, a community of aviation workers calling for a more sustainable future in aviation, explained that these types of technology are some time away.

From BBC

Earlier this year, Bali banned single-use plastics and issued behaviour guidelines for visitors to "ensure that Bali's tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with our local values".

From BBC

“What we are is indeed an organized body of people who want freedom for our people — and that is a demand for the kind of sustainable peace that only comes with justice.”

From Los Angeles Times

"But you also need to have the right team around you to make sure it's not a flash in the pan and you can grow it in a sustainable way."

From BBC

The charity's leadership have called its proposals "future-proofing" and said that having more than 200 branches "is not sustainable and hinders us" from providing the best service.

From BBC

Related Words

• continual 
• continuous 
• viable