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

And British officials emphasized their ability to serve as a global hub for sustainable finance. —Justin Worland, Time, 27 June 2025

This, shifts focus from personal achievements to institutional building and sustainable value creation. —Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

In this new landscape, speed is the only sustainable advantage. —Dror Berman, Fortune, 27 June 2025

Denim has been a key focus for the collaborative organization that champions sustainable fashion since its launch in 2017. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 June 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