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

Among other duties, Zilber worked to maintain the forest grounds and educate students and residents on sustainable forest management, according to a news release from Evers' office. —Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 4 Oct. 2025

Our study shows that obsessive passion cuts the chances of forming sustainable relationships through networking by 17%. —Sarah Maokosy, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025

Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025

The GEMx mission is working to address supply chain challenges for specifical minerals, which can help boost economic security and offer more sustainable avenues for these resources. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 3 Oct. 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