sustainable

[ suh-stey-nuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being supported or upheld, as by having its weight borne from below.
2. pertaining to a system that maintains its own viability by using techniques that allow for continual reuse:

   sustainable agriculture. Aquaculture is a sustainable alternative to overfishing.

3. able to be maintained or kept going, as an action or process:

   a sustainable negotiation between the two countries.

4. able to be confirmed or upheld:

   a sustainable decision.

5. able to be supported as with the basic necessities or sufficient funds:

   a sustainable life.

sustainable

/ səˈsteɪnəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being sustained
2. (of economic development, energy sources, etc) capable of being maintained at a steady level without exhausting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage

   sustainable development

3. (of economic growth) non-inflationary

Other Words From

• sus·taina·bili·ty noun
• nonsus·taina·ble adjective
• nonsus·taina·bili·ty noun
• unsus·taina·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sustainable¹

sustain + -able

Example Sentences

The research, a collaboration with the Technical University of Munich, studied over 2.5 million buildings across eight cities using an emerging sustainable cities measure, known as the '3-30-300' rule.

From Science Daily

These might include creating protected areas, establishing sustainable harvesting quotas, or implementing restoration programs.

From Science Daily

The government argues existing inheritance tax isn’t fair or sustainable – as everyone else sufficiently well off to pay it is charged 40% and farmers are charged nothing.

From BBC

"Sharing sustainable agricultural practices will help reduce any increases in pressures seen from diet shifts," DeCesaro said.

From Science Daily

"To make real progress, we need to look at it as one piece of a broader, more sustainable water management strategy that's adapted to the unique needs and constraints of each area."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• continual
• continuous
• viable