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sustainability

suh-stay-nuh-BIL-uh-tee /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/

nounB2IELTSTOEFLGMAT

EnvironmentalBusiness

The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level; specifically, avoiding the depletion of natural resources.

In the context of diet, it refers to food systems that have low environmental impact and can continue indefinitely without harming the planet.

The story behind the word. From 'sub' (up from below) and 'tenere' (to hold). It describes the act of holding something up from underneath, like a pillar supporting a roof.

Word relationships

viability: Viability focuses on whether something can work; sustainability focuses on whether it can continue without damage.

depletion: The act of using up resources until nothing is left.

Commonly confused with

durability: Durability is how long an object lasts; sustainability is how long a system can be maintained.

Word family

sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained.
sustain (verb): To keep something going.

Collocations

environmental sustainability
long-term sustainability
sustainability goals

Example sentences

"Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Environmental report. (Brundtland Report (United Nations))
"The sustainability of plant-based diets is a major factor driving the global shift away from industrial livestock farming." Dietary discussion.

Memory hook

SUSTAIN-ABILITY: The 'ability' to 'sustain' (keep going) the Earth. Hold it up for the future.

When not to use

Don't use this to simply mean 'long-lasting' in a physical sense (like a battery); it usually implies a systemic or ecological balance.

Fun facts

The concept of sustainability in forestry dates back to the 18th century in Germany, where it was called 'Nachhaltigkeit'.