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sustainable

suh-STAY-nuh-bul /səˈsteɪnəbl/

adjectiveB2TOEFLIELTSACT

AcademicProfessionalGeneral

Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

Sustainable implies a balance where the rate of consumption does not exceed the rate of renewal.

The story behind the word. The root 'tenere' is the same one found in 'tenacious.' To sustain something was originally to hold it up from below, like a pillar supporting a roof. In modern ecology, it means holding up the world's resources so they don't collapse.

Word relationships

viable: Focuses on whether a plan can actually work, while sustainable focuses on longevity.
renewable: Specifically refers to resources that can be replaced naturally.

unsustainable: Cannot be continued at the current rate.
depleting: Actively using up a resource until nothing is left.

Commonly confused with

regenerative: Sustainable aims for a 'net zero' impact; regenerative aims to actively improve or heal the environment.

Word family

sustain (verb): To strengthen or support physically or mentally.
sustainability (noun): The quality of being able to continue over a long period of time.

Collocations

sustainable development
sustainable energy
sustainable practices
environmentally sustainable

Example sentences

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Defining the core goal of modern development. (Brundtland Report, Our Common Future (1987))
"The island's economy relies on sustainable fishing and low-impact tourism to preserve its reefs." Discussing tourism practices.

Memory hook

If you can 'Sustain' the 'Able' (ability) to keep going, you are sustainable. Sustainable = Keep it going forever.

When not to use

Avoid using it as a synonym for 'long-lasting' in non-environmental contexts unless you are referring to a system's viability.

Fun facts

The term 'sustainable development' was popularized by the United Nations in the 1980s.