English Reference
adjective

sustained

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

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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'.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

    staccato

Usage sustained serious · sustained abuse · sustained heat

British Transport Police said: “At this time we believe that two people have sustained serious injuries and a further nine patients have sustained less serious injuries.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Gavi has sustained long-term injuries in two of the last three seasons, but the midfielder has passed with a clean bill of health going into the new campaign.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated