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
The trend toward a more sustainable Mardi Gras has been growing for years and includes a small but growing variety of more thoughtful throws like food, soaps and sunglasses.
—Travis Loller, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
But across Florida, most local governments have embraced the idea that careful planning is one of the best ways to create sustainable, balanced communities.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026
Lower body fat allows muscle definition to show more clearly, but that level isn’t always attainable, healthy or sustainable for everyone.
—Ciara Lucas, SELF, 15 Feb. 2026
The bp Whiting Refinery is still negotiating in good faith with the union to improve the safety and competitiveness of our business and create a sustainable future for all.
—Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sustainable
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Travis Loller, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
But across Florida, most local governments have embraced the idea that careful planning is one of the best ways to create sustainable, balanced communities.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026
Lower body fat allows muscle definition to show more clearly, but that level isn’t always attainable, healthy or sustainable for everyone.
—Ciara Lucas, SELF, 15 Feb. 2026
The bp Whiting Refinery is still negotiating in good faith with the union to improve the safety and competitiveness of our business and create a sustainable future for all.
—Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 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 16 Feb. 2026.
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