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

• 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 following this six-pillar framework, from in-store screens to RaaS, retailers can transform customer interactions into sustainable, high-margin revenue streams. —Charisma Glassman, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Current designs run on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), but plans are under way to convert the aircraft to hydrogen-electric power. —Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 9 July 2025

The denim and larger apparel industries have long flirted with hemp as a sustainable alternative fiber, but commercial-scale supply chains in the U.S. remained elusive—until now. —Kasi Martin, Sourcing Journal, 9 July 2025

Embedding them through flexible partnerships can help transfer sustainable behaviors and norms. —Kelly Monahan, Fortune, 9 July 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