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sustainable

suh-STAY-nuh-bul /səˈsteɪnəbl/

adjectiveB2IELTSTOEFLGRE

environmentalpolitical

Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage.

While 'organic' focuses on inputs (no chemicals), 'sustainable' focuses on the long-term viability of the entire system, including social and economic factors.

The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin 'sub' (up from below) and 'tenere' (to hold). It literally means to hold something up from underneath, like a pillar supporting a roof. In modern times, it means holding up the planet so it doesn't collapse under our usage.

Word relationships

renewable: Renewable refers to resources that replenish naturally, while sustainable refers to the management of those resources.

depleting: Depleting means using up resources until they are gone, the opposite of sustaining them.

Commonly confused with

green: 'Green' is a casual marketing term; 'sustainable' is a more rigorous scientific and economic concept.

Word family

sustain (verb): To strengthen or support physically or mentally.

Collocations

sustainable agriculture
sustainable development
sustainable practices

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." The classic definition of sustainable development. (Brundtland Report (1987).)

Memory hook

Imagine a 'stair' (sus-tain) that never ends; it keeps going because it's built to last. Sustain = Support for the future.

When not to use

Avoid using it as a synonym for 'durable' in a purely physical sense (like a pair of boots), unless you are referring to their environmental impact.

Fun facts

The term 'sustainability' was first used in a 1713 German handbook on forestry to ensure a steady supply of timber.