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sustainability

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

nounB2IELTSTOEFLGRE

academicgeneral

The ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Balances environmental health, economic vitality, and social equity over long time horizons.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'sustinere' (to hold up, endure). Modern ecological sustainability emerged from forestry science ('Nachhaltigkeit') in 18th-century Germany.

Word relationships

viability: Viability focuses on whether something can function, while sustainability emphasizes maintaining balance across generations.

unsustainability: The state of consuming resources faster than they can naturally replenish.

Commonly confused with

conservation: Conservation is the action of guarding resources; sustainability is the overarching goal or long-term state.

Word family

sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting resources.
sustainably (adverb): In a way that can be maintained long-term.

Collocations

environmental sustainability
long-term sustainability
sustainability practices
promote sustainability

Example sentences

"Long-term environmental sustainability requires transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable solar and wind energy." Global policy

Memory hook

SUSTAIN + ABILITY = ability to keep going forever without breaking. Meeting today's needs without compromising tomorrow.

When not to use

Avoid using as a simple buzzword for 'eco-friendly' unless long-term balance is actually involved.

Fun facts

The classic definition of sustainability was established in 1987 by the UN Brundtland Commission in its report 'Our Common Future'.