sustainable
adjective
sus·tain·able
sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl 
1
: capable of being sustained
sustainable growth
a sustainable business model
And the ratings spike did not prove sustainable for the rest of the evening.—
Brian Steinberg
Brian Steinberg2
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
The study reflects a broadening search for more climate-friendly sustainable protein sources.—Ashley Miznazi
Ashley Miznazi
b
: of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods
a sustainable society
a sustainable future
… the most sustainable garment is one that already exists.—Angela Velasquez
Angela Velasquez
sustainability
noun
… several boards throughout the state that focus on green building and sustainability.
—Melissa Followell
Melissa Followell
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
As remote work, digital mobility, and global healthcare access continue evolving, more Americans may begin viewing relocation not as escape, but as a practical strategy for building a healthier, more sustainable, and more emotionally balanced life.
—Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Connecticut dairy farmers said the industry is no longer sustainable without state intervention.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
Rashad seems happy, for now, to be working his way toward a sustainable life, and perhaps a sustainable career.
—Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
Like rhinos, there are several rhino sanctuaries in the region, as well as the community focused wildlife conservancies and sustainable luxury lodges that are putting this part of East Africa on the travel map.
—AFAR Media, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sustainable
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.
Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Connecticut dairy farmers said the industry is no longer sustainable without state intervention.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
Rashad seems happy, for now, to be working his way toward a sustainable life, and perhaps a sustainable career.
—Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
Like rhinos, there are several rhino sanctuaries in the region, as well as the community focused wildlife conservancies and sustainable luxury lodges that are putting this part of East Africa on the travel map.
—AFAR Media, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sustainable
Cite this Entry
“Sustainable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
