sustainable
UK: səˈsteɪnəbl | US: səˈsteɪnəbl
adj. capable of being maintained or continued over the long term without depleting resources
adj. (ecology) able to be upheld without causing severe damage to the environment
adj. (economics) feasible for prolonged use without financial or social collapse
The word "sustainable" combines "sustain" (from Latin sustinēre, meaning "to hold up" or "maintain") with the suffix "-able" (from Latin -abilis, indicating capacity). The root "sustain" evolved through Old French (sustenir) into Middle English, retaining its core meaning of endurance. The suffix "-able" was later attached to form an adjective describing something that can be maintained. The term gained prominence in the 20th century with ecological and economic discourses, emphasizing systems that endure without collapse.
The company adopted sustainable practices to reduce waste.
Renewable energy is key to sustainable development.
Critics questioned whether the economic growth was truly sustainable.
Farmers are shifting to sustainable agriculture methods.
The architect designed a building with sustainable materials.