sustainable
gb/səstˈeɪnəbəl/ us/səstˈeɪnəbəl/
B1
English
~ 4000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Environmentally friendly and lasting
Able to continue for a long time without hurting the environment or using up resources.
Usage pattern:
[sustainable] [practice/method/approach]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'sustainable' with 'renewable'. 'Renewable' refers specifically to resources that can be replenished, while 'sustainable' is broader and includes avoiding harm and maintaining balance.
Synonyms
eco-friendly (Emphasizes being friendly to the environment, often in consumer contexts.)
|
green (Informal term focusing on environmental benefits.)
Antonyms
unsustainable (Direct opposite; something that cannot be maintained without harm or depletion.)
Collocations
sustainable development
|sustainable energy
|sustainable agriculture
|sustainable future
|sustainable lifestyle
Themes
environment
|science
|business
|nature
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company is committed to using sustainable materials in its products.
- Sustainable agriculture focuses on long-term soil health.
- We need sustainable energy sources to fight climate change.
- The city has a plan for sustainable urban growth.
- Her store sells only sustainable fashion brands.
Learner examples
- We use sustainable energy from the sun.
- The farm grows food in a sustainable way.
- We want a sustainable future for our children.
- This bag is made from sustainable materials.
adjective
B2
property
2
Able to last over time
Able to keep going for a long time without problems.
Usage pattern:
[sustainable] [growth/rate/system]
Common mistake:
Learners may assume 'sustainable' always refers to the environment, but it can also mean lasting or stable in other contexts like economics or personal habits.
Synonyms
viable (Focuses on being capable of working successfully over time.)
|
enduring (Emphasizes lasting strength over a long period.)
Antonyms
unstable (Likely to fail or collapse.)
Collocations
sustainable growth
|sustainable business model
|sustainable pace
|sustainable success
Themes
business
|economics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The economy needs sustainable growth to avoid future crises.
- She set a sustainable pace for the marathon.
- We need a sustainable business model that can survive market changes.
- Their success was impressive but not sustainable.
- The project achieved sustainable results over five years.
Learner examples
- We want a sustainable business plan.
- He works at a sustainable speed every day.
- The team needs sustainable success.
- Our city has sustainable growth.
Grammar
Dictionary form
sustainable
IPA
GB/səstˈeɪnəbəl/
US/səstˈeɪnəbəl/
Syllables & stress
sus - tain - able (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tain)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: sustainable
Word family
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
unsustainable
adjective B2
unsustainably
adverb C1
Advanced or less common
sustenance
noun
Expressions
sustainable development
1/səstˈeɪnəbəl dɪvˈɛləpmənt/
fixed phrase
formal
Growth without harming future resources
Development that helps people today without hurting the ability of people in the future to live well.
Examples
- The UN promotes sustainable development worldwide.
- Sustainable development balances economic growth with environmental care.
sustainable energy
1/səstˈeɪnəbəl ˈɛnɚd͡ʒi/
fixed phrase
Energy from lasting, eco-friendly sources
Energy that comes from sources that won't run out and don't damage the environment.
Examples
- Solar power is a form of sustainable energy.
- We need more investment in sustainable energy.
sustainable lifestyle
1/səstˈeɪnəbəl lˈaɪfstˌaɪl/
fixed phrase
Eco-friendly way of living long-term
A way of living that does not hurt the planet and can continue for a long time.
Examples
- They are trying to live a sustainable lifestyle by reducing waste.
- A sustainable lifestyle includes using less energy and water.