# sustained

/səˈsteɪnd/ (US) · /səstˈeɪnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sustained
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. continuing for a long time

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: maintained at a consistent level or intensity over a prolonged period.

- The company saw sustained growth over five years thanks to its new products.
- 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. held musical note

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

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

## Examples

- The athlete's sustained effort helped her win the race.
- The company saw sustained growth in sales over the last five years despite the difficult economy.
- The aircraft was unable to maintain sustained flight at high altitudes due to a mechanical failure in the cooling system.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.