renewable
rih-NOO-uh-bul
/rɪˈnuːəbl/
Capable of being replenished or replaced naturally over time by natural ecological processes.
Describes energy sources or natural resources that replenish faster than human economic activity consumes them.
The story behind the word. Combines 're-' (again) with 'novus' (new). To renew literally means 'to make new again'. The modern adjective suffix '-able' creates the meaning 'capable of making itself new again continuously'.
Word relationships
- replenishable: 'Replenishable' focuses directly on the physical act of refilling supplies.
- sustainable: 'Sustainable' describes practices that can continue long-term; 'renewable' describes the nature of the resource itself.
- non-renewable: Resources existing in finite quantities that cannot naturally replenish on human timescales.
- finite: Limited in supply or extent.
Commonly confused with
- reusable: 'Reusable' means an item can be physically used multiple times (like a glass bottle); 'renewable' means natural processes reproduce the resource.
Word family
- renew (verb): To make fresh or restore supplies.
- renewal (noun): The state or process of being renewed.
- renewably (adverb): In a renewable manner.
Collocations
- renewable energy
- renewable resources
- renewable power
- transition to renewables
Example sentences
- "Investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power reduces reliance on finite fossil fuel reserves." Energy Transition
- "Timber can be a renewable natural resource if forests are harvested responsibly and replanted systematically." Resource Management
Memory hook
RE (again) + NEW + ABLE = Able to become new again. Nature's endless refill button.
When not to use
Do not apply to non-replenishing natural wealth like copper ore, natural gas, or crude petroleum.
Fun facts
- Solar radiation striking Earth in just one hour delivers more energy than human civilization consumes in an entire year.
Explore more words
Renewable Energy, regenerative, restorative, biodegradable, abundance, overconsumption
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.