sustained

1 of 2

adjective

sus·​tained sə-ˈstānd 

: maintained at length without interruption or weakening : lasting, prolonged

sustained winds

providing sustained support

sustained applause

sustained flight

They can run at sustained speeds of up to 19 mph for considerable distances, and usually only make short flights in order to escape danger or flush prey.

—Marcy Scott

This degenerative disorder is theoretically caused by excessive and sustained forces of compression.

—Tracy A. Turner

sustained

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of sustain entry 1

Examples of sustained in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Schools should also consider whether independent reading is moving unnecessarily onto computers when children would benefit from sustained engagement with print. — Katie Pace Miles, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026

Regarding Taiwan, China’s sustained pressure to acquire the island tends to overshadow a dramatic economic and political success story. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Advocacy groups and health officials emphasize the need for sustained funding and support to continue progress. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

The results of Niccol’s sustained investments and commitment to his employees have been nothing short of astonishing, bearing out in financial results which have defied Wall Street consensus by miles. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1775, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sustained

• self-sustained
• sustained-release
• sustained yield

Rhymes for sustained

• appertained
• ascertained
• entertained
• overstrained
• preordained
• unconstrained
• unexplained
• unrestrained
• abstained
• arraigned
• attained
• bloodstained