sustainable

adjective

sus·​tain·​able sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl 

1

: capable of being sustained

sustainable growth

a sustainable business model

And the ratings spike did not prove sustainable for the rest of the evening.

—Brian Steinberg

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

The study reflects a broadening search for more climate-friendly sustainable protein sources.

—Ashley Miznazi

b

: of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods

a sustainable society

a sustainable future

… the most sustainable garment is one that already exists.

—Angela Velasquez

sustainability

sə-ˌstā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

… several boards throughout the state that focus on green building and sustainability.

—Melissa Followell

sustainably

sə-ˈstā-nə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of sustainable

• 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

However, sustainable success depends on finding ways to evolve without abandoning the ethos that makes your work distinctive. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2025

Plants don’t sprout overnight, and that’s the perfect metaphor for this lifestyle, which prioritizes the sustainable and rewards low consumption. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2025

Across the country, Latino leaders are stepping forward–meeting with members of Congress, organizing beach cleanups during Latino Conservation Week and promoting the sustainable seafood guide recommendations in their communities. —Camila Cáceres, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

The retailer has become our editors’ go-to for tops, pants, and jackets that can withstand the rigors of travel and are made with high-quality, sustainable materials like wool and organic cotton. —Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 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