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

The Balanced Future These five metrics can work together as a system, creating a framework for sustainable growth that can satisfy both investors and operational realities. —Victor Orlovski, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Komal Sahu is chief of sustainable finance at AVPN. —Tristan Ace, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2025

Neither statistic feels sustainable, but such is life with small samples. —Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Its noise-reducing engine placement and compatibility with current airport infrastructure address both environmental and logistical challenges, while integration with sustainable aviation fuels amplifies its role in cutting lifecycle carbon emissions. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 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