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 Word Forms

• 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 government said the move would "ensure the fund is financially sustainable to allow more vulnerable children to access targeted support".

From BBC

The company said in March it was losing £700,000 a day at the site, which it called "no longer financially sustainable," and began a consultation on its closure.

From BBC

Given letter numbers are falling, "we have to think about what is economical", she said, adding Ofcom would be publishing plans for the regulation of Royal Mail "to make sure it is sustainable".

From BBC

Adjusting a commitment — like moving to a cheaper place, cutting subscriptions or negotiating a debt down — can have a more sustainable impact on your finances than counting pennies and restricting day-to-day spending.

From Salon

"That's definitely something we aspire to - having those options for people so they can come into the park on sustainable transport."

From BBC

Related Words

• continual
• continuous
• viable