unsustainable

adjective

un·​sus·​tain·​able ˌən-sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl How to pronounce unsustainable (audio)
: not capable of being prolonged or continued : not sustainable
unsustainable agricultural practices
unsustainable growth
unsustainability noun
unsustainably adverb
an unsustainably high rate of growth

Examples of unsustainable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some industry observers argue that the current compensation levels are unsustainable and will eventually correct. Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 The problem is that farmland prices have risen, in steps, to unsustainable levels just as farm commodity prices are set to fall because of a U.S.-initiated trade war against the rest of the world. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 6 July 2025 For sharks specifically, unsustainable fishing practices are the biggest threat, combined with climate change effects and other human impacts like pollution and development. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 4 July 2025 But relying on social media and word of mouth is unsustainable long term, Ocampo said. Denise Chow, NBC news, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsustainable

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsustainable was circa 1677

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Cite this Entry

“Unsustainable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsustainable. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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