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

Cycling Frog uses real fruit juices and full-spectrum, sustainable and no-spray hemp extract. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 6 July 2026

Small, sustainable changes — such as eating more vegetables and whole grains, choosing nuts or fruit instead of ultraprocessed snacks, and replacing sugary drinks with water — add up over time. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

As Mihir considers leaving the village in defeat, Partha convinces him to stay and lead the community’s fight for a sustainable dam to protect their homes. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 July 2026

February 19 – March 20 The joy calling your name may need one practical boundary to become sustainable. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026

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