sustainable

adjective

sus·​tain·​able sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl 

1

: capable of being sustained

2

a

: of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged

sustainable techniques

sustainable agriculture

b

: of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods

sustainable society

sustainability

sə-ˌstā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

sustainably

sə-ˈstā-nə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• defendable
• defensible
• justifiable
• maintainable
• supportable
• tenable

Examples of sustainable in a Sentence

a line of argument that is probably not sustainable in a public forum against skilled debaters

has no sustainable claim to the property without a deed or some other document

Recent Examples on the Web

Outland Denim Outland Denim teamed with Australian design studio, St. Agni, to launch a capsule collection of sustainable jeans. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Apr. 2025

Alongside traditional architecture cropping back up on today’s campuses, colleges are also growing increasingly mindful of environmental impact, and new technology has further enabled a wave of sustainable architecture on school campuses. —Stefanie Waldek, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2025

Lake is a haven of loungewear that is stylish, sustainable, and supremely comfortable, and this roomy cardigan is an excellent travel layer to have on hand. —Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2025

This region was chosen for its rugged beauty and commitment to sustainable outdoor recreation. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sustainable

• trainable
• ascertainable
• unattainable
• unexplainable
• unobtainable
• unsustainable
• attainable
• explainable
• maintainable
• obtainable