unsustainable

adjective

un·​sus·​tain·​able ˌən-sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl 

: not capable of being prolonged or continued : not sustainable

unsustainable agricultural practices

unsustainable growth

unsustainability

ˌən-sə-ˌstā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

unsustainably

ˌən-sə-ˈstā-nə-blē 

adverb

an unsustainably high rate of growth

Examples of unsustainable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But what might be unsustainable for Iranian society can be perfectly sustainable for the state. — Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2026

From there, the NCAA accelerated its campaign to convince Congress that college sports would be ungovernable and unsustainable without federal liability protections. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Some economists say France is on an unsustainable path after Fitch's downgrade of the country's credit rating last year. — Jenni Reid,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

Orlando was unsustainable, so the Tribe purchased its team for $10 million in 2003. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsustainable

• attainable
• explainable
• maintainable
• obtainable
• sustainable
• ascertainable
• unattainable
• unexplainable
• unobtainable
• trainable