sustainable
adjectiveBand 6
UKsəˈsteɪnəbl
USsəˈsteɪnəbəl
Able to continue over time without depleting natural resources or harming the environment.
We need a more sustainable approach to farming.
The city aims for sustainable growth.
Remember it
Sustainable comes from Latin roots meaning “to hold up,” suggesting something that can continue without collapse.
Watch out
sustainable in the long timesustainable in the long term
The fixed collocation is 'in the long term'.
Goes with
Similar and opposite
- Similar
- eco-friendlyrenewableviable
- Opposite
- unsustainablewasteful
Word family
Check yourself
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Which picture shows sustainable?