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Sustainability

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

nounB2GRETOEFLIELTS

formalacademicjournalistic

The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level; avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.

Often implies meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The story behind the word. The concept of 'Sustainability' has ancient roots in resource management, but the modern term gained prominence in the 1980s, particularly with the 1987 Brundtland Report, 'Our Common Future.' This report defined sustainable development as 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.' The word itself comes from the Latin 'sustinere,' meaning 'to hold up' or 'to keep in existence.'

Word relationships

Ecological balance: Focuses more on the natural equilibrium of an ecosystem, while sustainability is broader, including human practices and future generations.
Viability: Refers to the ability to work successfully, which is a component of sustainability but doesn't necessarily include the long-term environmental aspect.

Unsustainability: The state of being unable to be maintained at a certain rate or level, especially regarding resource depletion.

Word family

Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level; able to be upheld or defended.
Sustain (verb): To strengthen or support physically or mentally; to undergo or suffer (something unpleasant, especially an injury, defeat, or loss).

Collocations

environmental sustainability
economic sustainability
social sustainability
promote sustainability
long-term sustainability

Example sentences

"Achieving true sustainability requires a shift in both consumer behavior and industrial practices." Discussing economic development.
"Many companies are now focusing on sustainability initiatives to reduce their environmental impact." Reporting on corporate responsibility.

Memory hook

Think of 'SUSTAIN' (to keep going) and 'ABILITY' – the ability to keep our planet going for future generations. Sustain Ability for Future

When not to use

Avoid using it for temporary or short-term solutions that don't consider long-term ecological or social impacts.

Fun facts

The 'three pillars of sustainability' are often cited as environmental, social, and economic sustainability.