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 agricultureb : of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods sustainable society
From the M-W Editors
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 of sustainable from the Web
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The answer is yes—because organizers fly in over 16 tons of live lobsters from a sustainable fishery in the Gulf of Maine.
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But returning to negotiations without insisting that North Korea give up weapons, or at least stop further development, would reward bad behavior and undermine nonproliferation on the basis of minimal hope that a sustainable compromise would emerge.
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De Jesus hopes this relationship will drive awareness to the continuous need for sustainable financial support of his pet charity partners.
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A powerful way to transform an existing city into a sustainable one—a city that preserves the earth rather than ruining it—is to reduce all the waste streams and then use what remains as a resource.
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Unlike most other national chains, Whole Foods has placed a strong emphasis on sourcing products from local players, including sustainable farmers and small-scale food start-ups.
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The office supports renewable and sustainable transportation research and oversees mandatory efficiency standards.
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Only time will tell, however, if a league so reliant on nostalgia can become something sustainable, or if it is destined to be a novelty act that quickly loses its luster.
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Founded by surfers, Pacifica uses safe and sustainable ingredients; zinc oxide is the UV-deflector here.
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.
First Known Use of sustainable
1924
Other Ecology Terms
SUSTAINABLE Defined for English Language Learners
sustainable
playDefinition of sustainable for English Language Learners
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: able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed
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: involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources
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: able to last or continue for a long time
Learn More about sustainable
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See words that rhyme with sustainable Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sustainable Spanish Central: Translation of sustainable Nglish: Translation of sustainable for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sustainable for Arabic speakers
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