renewable

American  

[ri-noo, -nyoo] / rɪˈnu, -ˈnyu /

adjective

1. able to be renewed.

   a library book that is not renewable.

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noun

1. something that is renewable.

renewable Scientific  

/ rĭ-no̅o̅′ə-bəl /

1. Relating to a natural resource, such as solar energy, water, or wood, that is never used up or that can be replaced by new growth. Resources that are dependent on regrowth can sometimes be depleted beyond the point of renewability, as when the deforestation of land leads to desertification or when a commercially valuable species is harvested to extinction. Pollution can also make a renewable resource such as water unusable in a particular location.

2. Compare nonrenewable

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Other Word Forms

• nonrenewable adjective
• renewability noun
• unrenewable adjective

Etymology

Origin of renewable

First recorded in 1720–30; renew + -able

Example Sentences

No, the picture is not entirely doom and gloom — the push for renewable energy is breaking all kinds of records, too, reaching roughly 50% of global energy capacity last year.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Plaid Cymru has said long-term investment in renewable energy would help protect people from price hikes.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The levy is meant to contribute to Singapore's purchases of sustainable aviation fuel, which is made from renewable sources as well as waste including used cooking oil and animal fat.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Countries may invest in local production if they have oil, gas or coal resources, or double down on renewable energy or nuclear power.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

One of the most encouraging developments has come out of Australia, where renewable energy now generates enough power to run 70 percent of Australian homes.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• inexhaustible
• sustainable