sustainable

Definition of sustainable

sustainable (adjective): Capable of being maintained or continued at a certain rate or level over time without exhausting resources or causing long-term harm, especially in the context of environmental, economic, or social systems.

Example: The city implemented a sustainable energy program, relying heavily on solar and wind power to reduce its carbon footprint.

Best for: common-difficulty vocabulary; learners who already know "endurable" or "perpetual"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Origin of sustainable

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: sustinere

Original meaning: to hold up, support, endure

How it evolved: From 'sustinere,' the term came to denote durability and the ability to persist, eventually applied broadly to practices that prevent resource depletion.

The word 'sustainable' originates from the Latin word 'sustinere,' meaning 'to hold up' or 'to endure,' and evolved to describe systems or practices that can persist without depletion.

First known use: Mid-19th century

How to Remember sustainable

Think of 'sustain' as 'support'—sustainable practices support resources so they don’t run out, like a table that’s sturdy enough to hold something indefinitely.

Synonyms for sustainable

• endurable
• perpetual
• feasible
• resilient
• ecological
• self-sufficient
• long-lasting
• viable

Antonyms of sustainable

• unsustainable
• ephemeral
• exhaustible
• untenable
• short-lived

sustainable in a Sentence

1. The city implemented a sustainable energy program, relying heavily on solar and wind power to reduce its carbon footprint.
2. For a business to thrive in the modern era, it must adopt sustainable practices that balance profit with environmental responsibility.
3. Innovations in agriculture have made it possible to produce food in more sustainable ways, minimizing soil degradation and water usage.

sustainable in Literature & Culture

Sustainable is a key term in global discussions about climate change, appearing in international treaties like the Paris Agreement and in movements like sustainable fashion and sustainable urban development.

Usage Notes

Sustainable is often used in discussions about environmental practices, but it can also apply to economic systems, lifestyles, or any process capable of lasting over time. Avoid confusing it with 'renewable,' which specifically refers to resources that can regenerate naturally.

Why sustainable Matters for GRE & SAT

This word frequently appears in GRE reading comprehension and argument passages, particularly when discussing environmental policies, economics, or global development challenges.

Word Family

sustain (verb)

To support, maintain, or endure over time.

sustainability (noun)

The ability to be maintained or prolonged without depleting resources.

unsustainable (adjective)

Not capable of being continued at the same rate or level, often leading to resource depletion.

Did You Know?

• The concept of sustainability gained significant traction in the 1980s with the release of the Brundtland Report, which defined sustainable development as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• The word ‘sustainable’ has become a buzzword in marketing, often used to describe eco-friendly products and practices, but its misuse has led to concerns about 'greenwashing.'
• Famous environmentalist Rachel Carson’s book 'Silent Spring' is considered a pivotal work in the movement toward a more sustainable world.

Related Words

• conservation
• perpetuate
• Sycophant — A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
• sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
• sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
• salubrious — promoting health or well-being
• salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
• sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior

More Vocabulary Words Starting with S

• Sycophant — A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
• sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
• sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
• sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
• sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
• salubrious — promoting health or well-being
• salubrious — promoting health or well-being
• salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
• salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
• sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior