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 initiative marks a pivotal step in advancing sustainable urban transformation and circular construction practices. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025

Air taxi firms are racing to secure approvals and commercialize air taxi aircraft to meet the growing demand for faster and more sustainable urban transportation. —David Shepardson, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

At a time of plummeting advertising revenues, with legacy media under pressure to navigate a sustainable path forward, starting a new magazine and media company is a bold move. —Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025

Implement tactics to build a more sustainable, more compassionate entrepreneurial culture. —Samantha Dewalt, Fortune, 12 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