Sustainable
/səˈsteɪnəbəl/
Definitions
Capable of being continued or maintained at a certain rate or level. Often used in contexts relating to environmental and economic systems that can endure over time.
/səˈsteɪnəbəl/
Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Renewable energy sources are more sustainable than fossil fuels.
💡 Simply: Imagine a garden that keeps giving you tomatoes year after year. Sustainable means it's set up in a way that the tomatoes keep growing without using up all the soil or water. It's like a system that can keep going without running out of resources!
👶 For kids: Something is sustainable if it can keep going for a long time without running out of stuff.
More Examples
The company's sustainable business model focuses on long-term growth.
The goal is to create a sustainable community where everyone has equal opportunities.
How It's Used
"Companies should strive for sustainable business practices to ensure long-term profitability."
"Sustainable agriculture aims to produce food without depleting natural resources."
"A sustainable economy balances growth with environmental protection and social equity."
Idioms & expressions
Sustainable development
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
"The United Nations promotes sustainable development goals worldwide."
Sustainable practices
Actions or behaviors that can be maintained over time without causing harm to the environment or society.
"Adopting sustainable practices can reduce the environmental impact of agriculture."
From the verb 'sustain', derived from Latin 'sustinere' (to hold up, support). The adjective developed in the 20th century, particularly with a focus on environmental and economic contexts.
The word's application broadened during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly in relation to environmental concerns.
Memory tip
Think of 'sustaining' something: keeping it going, ensuring it lasts. A sustainable forest is one you can keep using without ruining it.