sustainable

adjective

sus·​tain·​able sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl 

1

: capable of being sustained

sustainable growth

a sustainable business model

And the ratings spike did not prove sustainable for the rest of the evening.

—Brian Steinberg

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

The study reflects a broadening search for more climate-friendly sustainable protein sources.

—Ashley Miznazi

b

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

a sustainable society

a sustainable future

… the most sustainable garment is one that already exists.

—Angela Velasquez

sustainability

sə-ˌstā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

… several boards throughout the state that focus on green building and sustainability.

—Melissa Followell

sustainably

sə-ˈstā-nə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of sustainable

• 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

By replacing toxic dopants and extreme conditions with a naturally occurring molecule and mechanical energy, the researchers have provided a realistic path toward sustainable conductive fillers. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 20 Dec. 2025

Despite ambitious climate pledges, the company has so far failed to find a sustainable path for its toys. —Leigh Kiniry, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025

This is a chance to reconnect with what truly feels secure and sustainable, rather than what looks appealing on the surface. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025

With this momentum, Safilo continues to advance in its responsible innovation journey that will guide the next phases of its sustainable development. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Dec. 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