sustainable

adjective

sus·​tain·​able sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl How to pronounce sustainable (audio)
Synonyms of sustainablenext
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 How to pronounce sustainable (audio)
noun
sustainably
sə-ˈstā-nə-blē How to pronounce sustainable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It is being expected not just to produce a work environment that is fair and sustainable, but one that is a utopia where no one ever feels discomfort or a trigger. — Marianne Schnall, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 The findings suggest improvements may be sustainable. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 Mar. 2025 Driving the news: In off-the-record hallway conversations, background roundtables, and on-the-record interviews, decision-makers were largely interested in gas, carbon capture, and sustainable aviation fuel. — Alan Neuhauser, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025 But figuring out how and when to fertilize your lawn in an effective and environmentally sustainable way can be daunting. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sustainable

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sustainable was in 1924

Rhymes for sustainable

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Browse Nearby Words

sustainable
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Cite this Entry

“Sustainable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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