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

• defendable
• defensible
• justifiable
• maintainable
• supportable
• tenable

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

However, the repeal of clean energy credits may deter sustainable investments, and the remittance tax could disproportionately affect immigrant communities. —Brian Menickella, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Someone investigating sustainable fishing in freshwater habitats could seek funding from the Population and Community Ecology program at the NSF. —Kelly S. Mix, The Conversation, 22 May 2025

The Tula Baby Blanket is made from a sustainable, breathable fabric that is silky-smooth to the touch. —Pamela Brill, Parents, 22 May 2025

This move aims to allow the textile industry to apply the GOTS framework to other sustainable fibers. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 22 May 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