renewable
rih-NOO-uh-buhl
/rɪˈnjuː.ə.bəl/
Capable of being replenished naturally at a rate equal to or faster than its rate of consumption.
Refers strictly to energy sources or natural resources that do not run out, regardless of human usage patterns.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'renovare' (to restore or make new again), combined with the English suffix '-able'. The term entered mainstream environmental discourse in the 1970s during global oil supply crises to contrast natural power sources with depletable fossil fuels.
Word relationships
- inexhaustible: 'Inexhaustible' emphasizes an endless supply, whereas 'renewable' emphasizes the natural cycles that replenish the source.
- replenishable: 'Replenishable' focuses on the action of filling back up, whereas 'renewable' is the broader standard industry term.
- nonrenewable: Refers directly to finite resources like coal, petroleum, and natural gas that deplete permanently upon use.
- exhaustible: Emphasizes that the total available supply will eventually be completely used up.
Commonly confused with
- sustainable: 'Renewable' means the source won't run out (like sunlight); 'sustainable' means the practice can continue indefinitely without harming the environment overall.
Word family
- renew (verb): To make effective again or resume.
- renewability (noun): The quality of being renewable.
Collocations
- renewable energy
- renewable resources
- renewable capacity
- renewable sector
Example sentences
- "The ministry announced ambitious long-term targets to ensure that renewable energy supplies more than half of the national electricity grid by 2030." Public Policy
- "Investing in renewable power generation creates significant economic returns while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions globally." International Energy Reports
Memory hook
Think of RE-NEW-ABLE as 'RE-peatedly NEW and ABLE to last forever.' Nature's endlessly refilled battery.
When not to use
Do not use to describe man-made objects that can be repaired or reused; use 'recyclable' or 'reusable' instead.
Fun facts
- Iceland gets nearly 100% of its electricity and heat from renewable sources, primarily geothermal and hydroelectric power.
Related words
Explore more words
Renewable Energy, regenerative, restorative, biodegradable, abundance, overconsumption
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