Sustainable

Definition

Sustainable often refers to the capability of being sustained over the long term without harming the environment, or the principles of sustainability.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈsteɪnəbəl/
• Respelling: suh-STAY-nuh-buhl (with "suh" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "supply," "STAY" as in "stay," "nuh" as a schwa sound like the 'a' in "sofa," and "buhl" as in "bubble")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈsteɪnəb(ə)l/
• Respelling: suh-STAY-nuh-buhl (similar to American English, with "suh" as in "supply," "STAY" like in "stay," "nuh" as in "sofa," and "buhl" like in "bubble")

In both dialects, "sustainable" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "STAY." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, with minor variations possibly in the articulation of the final syllable due to accent differences.

Etymology

The term "sustainable" is derived from the verb "sustain," which comes from Old French sustenir, from Latin sustinere ('hold up, support, endure'), from sub- ('up from below') + tenere ('to hold'). The suffix -able gives the term the quality of being able to sustain, particularly in a manner that conserves an ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources.

Derivatives

• Sustainability (noun)
• Sustainably (adverb)
• Unsustainable (adjective)
• Unsustainability (noun)
• Unsustainably (adverb)

Synonyms

• Eco-friendly
• Renewable
• Green

Antonyms

• Unsustainable
• Nonrenewable
• Eco-unfriendly

Usage

"Sustainable" is a term that is often utilized in discussions surrounding environmental conservation, green energy, and eco-friendly practices. It signifies a method or a practice that conserves and maintains natural resources for future generations.

Related Terms

• Renewable
• Eco-friendly
• Green
• Conservation

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Long-term Maintenance: Capable of being sustained over the long term without harming the environment.
• Example: Sustainable farming practices have been adopted by many farmers globally.

• Resource Conservation: Pertaining to a method or a practice that conserves and maintains the ecosystem’s balance by avoiding the depletion of natural resources.
• Example: Sustainable energy sources like solar and wind power are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• Economic Viability: Capable of being maintained or continued over the long term without harming the environment or depleting resources, thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.
• Example: Sustainable business models consider economic viability alongside environmental impact.