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

Whether companies can redesign work into something flatter and more sustainable, is the question for the coming years, even decades, to answer. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 2026

When these three elements operate together, improvement becomes sustainable. — Peter Follows, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Her studio specializes in hair loss and healthy scalp treatments, along with being sustainable and organic. — Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 26 July 2026

Ivy May Cool Your Home Ivy is a living entity that can support sustainable initiatives. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 26 July 2026

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