sustainable

adjective
sus·​tain·​able | \ sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl How to pronounce sustainable (audio) \

Definition of sustainable

1 : capable of being sustained
2a : 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

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Other Words from sustainable

sustainability \ sə-​ˌstā-​nə-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē How to pronounce sustainability (audio) \ noun
sustainably \ sə-​ˈstā-​nə-​blē How to pronounce sustainably (audio) \ adverb

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 Deep-sea science and innovation will be key to delivering a more sustainable ocean. Michael W. Lodge, Scientific American, "How to Mine the Oceans Sustainably," 11 Aug. 2020 In 2017 Cox asked Bushman to make their menu 100 percent sustainable. Adam Skolnick, Longreads, "The Poke Paradox," 10 Aug. 2020 Polestar is serious about being more sustainable than the average OEM, which is most evident in the choice of cabin materials. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "The 2021 Polestar 2 has a great cabin—and deep Android integration," 10 Aug. 2020 The international organization is calling for response and recovery investments to help deliver long-term goals for a more sustainable world and resilient food systems to prevent people from going hungry. Mica Soellner, Washington Examiner, "Indoor farm in Maryland thriving amid pandemic catches eye of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue," 6 Aug. 2020 In the announcement, Boom says one major goal of its partnership with Rolls-Royce is to make supersonic flight more sustainable. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, "Rolls-Royce Will Power the World's Fastest Passenger Plane," 4 Aug. 2020 Chipotle has long sought to differentiate itself in the saturated quick-serve restaurant business by using fresh ingredients and pledging to make its operation ecologically sustainable. Alexis Benveniste, CNN, "Chipotle is using avocado pits as dye for its new sustainable clothing line," 3 Aug. 2020 The change is in an effort for the college to be more sustainable and promote biodiversity, according to Matador Network. Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, "Trinity College Dublin Is Transforming Its Lawn Into a Field of Wildflowers," 3 Aug. 2020 Now many locals are looking for more sustainable paths. National Geographic, "Will travel improve after the virus subsides?," 21 July 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sustainable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of sustainable

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Time Traveler for sustainable

Time Traveler

The first known use of sustainable was in 1924

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Statistics for sustainable

Last Updated

16 Aug 2020

Cite this Entry

“Sustainable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable. Accessed 24 Aug. 2020.

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More Definitions for sustainable

sustainable

adjective
How to pronounce sustainable (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of sustainable

: able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed
: involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources
: able to last or continue for a long time

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