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

• justifiable

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

To start off, consider these sustainable kitchen essentials for under $20. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, Quintosapore has partnered with Candiani Denim and Matteo Ward, founder ofWRÅD, a design studio focused on sustainable development now under the Inside Out umbrella of Suzy Amis Cameron, on biodegradable denim jeans. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025

Eastern Malaysia is becoming a sustainable destination to the beat of its own gendang. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Patagonia Men’s Lightweight Synchilla Snap-t Fleece Pullover Patagonia is another brand known for outdoor clothing that’s both sustainable and fashionable. —Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 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