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
Synonyms
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
Supporters say car-free zones would infuse more energy into communities and give residents and visitors an incentive to ditch a car for a more sustainable mode of travel.
—
Luz Lazo, Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2023
Tencel lyocell is a biodegradable material made from sustainable wood sources—in this case, eucalyptus.
—Medea Giordano, WIRED, 24 Nov. 2023
Girlfriend Collective: Some of our editors’ favorite travel essentials—comfortable leggings, packable puffers, and versatile exercise dresses, to name a few—come from the beloved size-inclusive and sustainable clothing brand Girlfriend Collective.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Nov. 2023
The brand is known for the quality of construction, as well as its sustainable materials.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2023
Enter, Better Life’s Natural Floor Cleaner, our pick for the best laminate floor cleaner with sustainable features.
—Kelsey Mulvey, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2023
The emphasis on quality craftsmanship and sustainable materials reflects a deep respect for the environment and a desire for long-lasting, timeless design.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023
Integrating other sustainable practices, such as precision agriculture, is also recommended for increasing productivity of farm land.
—Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Nov. 2023
Helping Protect Natural Resources Using Advanced Geospatial Tech And AI
Geospatial technology and innovations hold the key to sustainable sourcing, protecting forests and oceans, and other significant steps toward conservation and preservation of our natural resources.
—Yael Maguire, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
See More
Luz Lazo, Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2023
Tencel lyocell is a biodegradable material made from sustainable wood sources—in this case, eucalyptus.
—Medea Giordano, WIRED, 24 Nov. 2023
Girlfriend Collective: Some of our editors’ favorite travel essentials—comfortable leggings, packable puffers, and versatile exercise dresses, to name a few—come from the beloved size-inclusive and sustainable clothing brand Girlfriend Collective.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Nov. 2023
The brand is known for the quality of construction, as well as its sustainable materials.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2023
Enter, Better Life’s Natural Floor Cleaner, our pick for the best laminate floor cleaner with sustainable features.
—Kelsey Mulvey, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2023
The emphasis on quality craftsmanship and sustainable materials reflects a deep respect for the environment and a desire for long-lasting, timeless design.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023
Integrating other sustainable practices, such as precision agriculture, is also recommended for increasing productivity of farm land.
—Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Nov. 2023
Helping Protect Natural Resources Using Advanced Geospatial Tech And AI
Geospatial technology and innovations hold the key to sustainable sourcing, protecting forests and oceans, and other significant steps toward conservation and preservation of our natural resources.
—Yael Maguire, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sustainable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near sustainable
Cite this Entry
“Sustainable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on sustainable
Nglish: Translation of sustainable for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of sustainable for Arabic Speakers
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