Word
sustainable
Phoneticssus·tain·able
US/səˈsteɪnəbəɫ/
UK/səstˈeɪnəbəl/
Definitions
01environmentally friendly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. able to continue for a long time without damaging the environment or using up all the natural resources.
adj. capable of being maintained at a steady level without exhausting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage.
“The company is switching to sustainable packaging made from recycled paper.”
“The government is investing in sustainable urban development to ensure that future generations have access to clean water and green spaces.”
Antonyms
02able to be maintained
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. able to be kept at a certain level or speed for a long time.
adj. capable of being sustained or continued at a specific rate or level; often used in economic or physical contexts.
“The current rate of spending is not sustainable and will lead to debt.”
“Economists argue that a ten percent annual growth rate is not sustainable in the long term for a developed nation.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sustainable” in context.
Verb
01. achieve sustainable growth
“The CEO explained that the primary goal for the next decade is to achieve sustainable growth.”
verb + adj + noun
02. become more sustainable
“The fashion industry needs to become more sustainable to reduce its massive water footprint.”
verb + adv + adj
03. promote sustainable farming
“The government introduced new subsidies to promote sustainable farming practices across the country.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
04. environmentally sustainable
“The company is committed to using environmentally sustainable materials in all its packaging.”
adv + adj
05. sustainable development
“The United Nations promotes sustainable development to balance economic growth and nature conservation.”
adj + noun
06. sustainable for the future
“Current levels of plastic consumption are simply not sustainable for the future of our oceans.”
adj + prep + noun
Noun
07. sustainable energy sources
“Investing in sustainable energy sources like wind and solar is crucial for reducing carbon emissions.”
adj + noun + noun
08. sustainable way of living
“Many people are moving to the countryside to adopt a more sustainable way of living.”
adj + noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“There is no single way to transition to more sustainable livestock farming globally.” “Single-use packaging, like small sauce packets and mini shampoo bottles in hotels, will also be banned in 2030 where considered unnecessary or if there are more sustainable alternatives available.” “This discovery could have cost-effective and sustainable applications in future electronic devices and other technologies.” Etymology
From sustain + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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