sustainability
suh-stay-nuh-BIL-ih-tee
/səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/
The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level; in business, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future.
Now often used as a shorthand for 'environmental friendliness,' but in ethics, it includes social and economic longevity.
The story behind the word. From 'sub-' (up from below) and 'tenere' (to hold). It literally means to keep something from falling by holding it up.
Word relationships
- viability: Viability is the ability to survive or work successfully; sustainability is the ability to keep doing so indefinitely.
- depletion: Depletion is the act of using up resources until they are gone.
Commonly confused with
- durability: Durability is how long an object lasts; sustainability is how long a process or system can continue.
Word family
- sustain (verb): To strengthen or support physically or mentally.
- sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain level.
Collocations
- environmental sustainability
- sustainability goals
- long-term sustainability
Example sentences
- "The company's sustainability report highlighted their transition to 100% renewable energy and fair-trade sourcing." Corporate Social Responsibility
Memory hook
Sustainability is about 'Sustaining' the 'Ability' of the planet to provide for us. Keep it going forever.
When not to use
Don't use it to mean 'durability' (like a pair of boots); it's about systems and resources.
Fun facts
- The 'Triple Bottom Line' of sustainability refers to People, Planet, and Profit.
Related words
Explore more words
sustainable, sustain, unsustainable, stewardship, overconsumption, regenerative
Also appears in
- Technology → Ecology & Climate Science
- Nature → Ecology & Ecosystems
- Nature → Urban Environmental Planning
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Biomimicry in Design
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Corporate Social Responsibility
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Disaster Mitigation & Resilience
- Food Science & Culinary Craft → Agricultural Supply Chains
- Food Science & Culinary Craft → Veganism & Plant-Based Diets
- Food Science & Culinary Craft → Food Waste & Overconsumption
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