What does "sustainable" mean?

1. (able to be continued) able to continue at the same level or rate for a long time. 2. (renewable energy) a source of energy that is renewable, like wind or solar power.

How do you use "sustainable"?

frequently used in business and economics to describe growth or spending usually used in the plural form 'sustainables'

sustainable

adj. · n.

US //səˈsteɪnəbəɫ// UK //səstˈeɪnəbəl// sus·tain·able

1 able to be continued (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

able to continue at the same level or rate for a long time.

capable of being maintained or continued at a certain rate or level.

Example

The company's rapid growth was not sustainable because they didn't have enough staff.

Example

Economists warned that the current level of consumer debt is not sustainable and could lead to a market correction.

Usage

frequently used in business and economics to describe growth or spending

Teacher's tip

In academic writing, this sense refers to the logic or viability of a system rather than just the environment.
- maintainable
- viable
- feasible
- untenable
- short lived
2 renewable energy (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

a source of energy that is renewable, like wind or solar power.

a renewable energy source or a product derived from sustainable practices.

Example

The government is investing more money into sustainables like wind and solar power.

Example

The transition from coal to sustainables requires significant infrastructure investment and a complete overhaul of the national grid.

Usage

usually used in the plural form 'sustainables'

Teacher's tip

This noun use is relatively recent and mostly found in technical or policy-related discussions about energy.
- renewable
- fossil fuel

Origin

From sustain + -able.