sustainable

adjective

sus·​tain·​able sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl How to pronounce sustainable (audio)
Synonyms of sustainablenext
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
2
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
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
sustainability noun
… several boards throughout the state that focus on green building and sustainability. Melissa Followell
sustainably adverb

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
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.
After five years at One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai, executive chef Frederic le Gac is thrilled to spotlight the seasonal and sustainable here. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026 Now, budget writers need to figure out how to put the program on a sustainable path, possibly by limiting its availability in future years. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026 These collections were Goldschmied’s way to help course-correct the denim industry’s environmental impact, often highlighting sustainable fibers and efficient dyeing and finishing processes. Sj Staff, Footwear News, 5 Apr. 2026 This can help prevent unintentional damage to local ecosystems and ensure that your garden remains environmentally friendly and sustainable. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sustainable

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sustainable was in 1924

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Cite this Entry

“Sustainable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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