Unsustainable
/ʌnsəˈsteɪnəbəl/
Definitions
Not able to be maintained or continued at the current rate or level. Often used to describe practices that deplete resources or cause environmental damage.
/ʌnsəˈsteɪnəbəl/
Not able to be maintained at the current rate or level; causing or capable of causing environmental damage.
The use of fossil fuels for energy is unsustainable in the long run.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a tower of blocks. If you keep adding blocks too quickly without a good base, it's going to fall down. That's like something being unsustainable – it can't last because it's using too much or moving too fast.
👶 For kids: Something that can't keep going on the way it is, like a toy that breaks easily.
More Examples
Their spending habits were unsustainable and led to bankruptcy.
The fishing practices in the area are unsustainable, leading to a decline in fish populations.
How It's Used
"The current rate of resource consumption is unsustainable."
"An unsustainable debt level can lead to economic crisis."
"The company's growth model proved unsustainable."
From un- (not) + sustainable, from sustain (to support or maintain), ultimately from Latin sustinēre (to hold up). The word entered common usage in the late 20th century, particularly in discussions about environmental issues.
The term gained prominence in the late 20th century in the context of environmental and economic concerns. It's relatively modern in comparison to words like 'love' or 'happiness'.
Memory tip
Think of a house of cards that will collapse – unsustainable.