sustainable

adjective

sus·​tain·​able sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl 

1

: capable of being sustained

2

a

: of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged

sustainable techniques

sustainable agriculture

b

: of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods

sustainable society

sustainability

sə-ˌstā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

sustainably

sə-ˈstā-nə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• justifiable

Examples of sustainable in a Sentence

a line of argument that is probably not sustainable in a public forum against skilled debaters

has no sustainable claim to the property without a deed or some other document

Recent Examples on the Web

The resort's Star Camp kids club encourages youngsters to be stewards of the land and sea, emphasizing sustainable initiatives such as recycling and ocean ecology. —Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025

Long-term solutions may involve investments in affordable housing and community land trusts to provide sustainable options for low-income families. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025

The challenge for European markets isn’t chasing bubbles but building durable ecosystems where capital formation is balanced and sustainable. —Aman Ghei, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025

The home spans 5,677 square feet and is LEED Gold certified for sustainable construction. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sustainable

• trainable
• ascertainable
• unattainable
• unexplainable
• unobtainable
• unsustainable
• attainable
• explainable
• maintainable
• obtainable