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 the ratings spike did not prove sustainable for the rest of the evening. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Aug. 2024

Consumer Pressure: The Demand for Transparency Consumers are also driving the push for sustainable practices. —Jane Mosbacher Morris, Sourcing Journal, 19 Aug. 2024

The real gains come from stacking up weeks and months of work, but finding the edge of what’s sustainable is an art—for now, at least. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 19 Aug. 2024

The brand’s sustainable Tencel fabric slightly hugs the skin and is just loose enough to guarantee a comfortable, breathable fit. —Jordyn Burrell, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1