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

The second phase was to include a sustainable ceasefire and full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and further hostage and prisoner release. —TIME, 23 Mar. 2025

News Home Trends This sustainable furniture brand just launched a new collection of hassle-free (and stylish) sleeper furniture. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025

Any rally in the stock market next week is unlikely to be sustainable until there’s clarity on the tariff front, something investors won’t get until April 2nd when a number of levies are expected to take effect. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025

Market pressure to decarbonize is growing, with investors and consumers increasingly demanding sustainable products and services. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 21 Mar. 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