What does "sustained" mean?

1. (continuing for a long time) continuing for a long time at the same level or strength. 2. (held musical note) describing a musical note that is held for its full length without stopping.

How do you use "sustained"?

Often used to describe abstract nouns like 'effort', 'growth', or 'attack'. Commonly used in instructions for singers or instrumentalists.

sustained

adj.

US //səˈsteɪnd// UK //səstˈeɪnd// sus·tained

1 continuing for a long time (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

continuing for a long time at the same level or strength.

maintained at a consistent level or intensity over a prolonged period.

Example

The company saw sustained growth over five years thanks to its new products.

Example

The city faced a sustained period of economic decline before the new infrastructure project revitalised the downtown district.

Usage

Often used to describe abstract nouns like 'effort', 'growth', or 'attack'.
- brief
- intermittent
2 held musical note (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical Music

describing a musical note that is held for its full length without stopping.

referring to a note or sound held at a constant pitch and volume without interruption.

Example

The singer ended the song with a long, sustained note that impressed the audience.

Example

The composer requested a sustained pedal effect to create a wash of sound that would linger beneath the melody.

Usage

Commonly used in instructions for singers or instrumentalists.
- held
- prolonged
- staccato