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Sustainable: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：environmentally long-lasting (sustainable)
sustainable
/səˈsteɪnəbl/
adj.
Able to be continued over a long period without using up resources or harming the environment.
environmentally long-lasting
➕
/ɪnˌværənˈmɛntəli lɔŋ ˈlæstɪŋ/
adj.
Refers to practices or systems that can be maintained indefinitely without depleting natural resources or harming the environment.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'sustinere' (to hold up) + suffix '-able' (capable of).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'sustain' (keep going) + 'able' (can do) – something that can be maintained over time.
📖 Example
Sustainable farming practices, like using natural fertilizers and rotating crops, help keep the soil healthy for future generations.
Farming methods that are sustainable, such as employing natural fertilizers and crop rotation, contribute to soil health for posterity.
🔗 Collocations
sustainable development – economic growth that meets current needs without compromising future generations
sustainable energy – energy sources that are renewable and environmentally friendly
sustainable practices – methods that support long-term ecological balance
🔄 Synonyms
eco-friendly (adj.) – not harmful to the environment
renewable (adj.) – capable of being naturally replenished
green (adj.) – environmentally conscious or beneficial
🚫 Antonyms
unsustainable (adj.) – not able to be maintained at the current rate or level
wasteful (adj.) – using resources carelessly or excessively
🌱 Derivatives
sustainability (n.) – the ability to be sustained or maintained over the long term
sustainably (adv.) – in a way that can be continued or maintained
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'sustinere', meaning 'to hold up'. Gained prominence in late 20th-century environmental movements, now central to policy and business discussions on long-term viability.
Meaning 2：financially viable (sustainable)
sustainable
/səˈsteɪnəbl/
adj.
Able to be afforded or maintained at a certain level without causing financial difficulty.
financially viable
➕
/faɪˈnænʃəli ˈvaɪəbl/
adj.
Describes something that can be afforded or maintained at a certain level without causing financial strain.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Before buying a car, she made a detailed budget to ensure the monthly payments would be sustainable with her current salary.
Prior to purchasing a vehicle, she created a thorough budget to confirm that the monthly installments would be financially manageable on her income.
🔗 Collocations
sustainable growth – economic expansion that can be maintained without negative consequences
sustainable budget – a financial plan that balances income and expenses over time
sustainable income – earnings that are consistent and sufficient for long-term needs
🔄 Synonyms
affordable (adj.) – able to be paid for without financial hardship
manageable (adj.) – easy to control or deal with
feasible (adj.) – possible and practical to do
🚫 Antonyms
unsustainable (adj.) – not financially viable in the long run
extravagant (adj.) – spending more money than is reasonable
Meaning 3：bearable over time (sustainable)
sustainable
/səˈsteɪnəbl/
adj.
Able to be endured or tolerated over time without becoming too difficult or painful.
bearable over time
➕
/ˈbɛərəbl ˈoʊvər taɪm/
adj.
Indicates that something can be endured or tolerated over a period without becoming excessively difficult or painful.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Working overtime once a week is challenging but sustainable for him; however, doing it every day would lead to burnout.
Putting in extra hours weekly is tough yet bearable for him, whereas daily overtime would cause exhaustion.
🔗 Collocations
sustainable workload – a level of work that can be maintained without causing stress
sustainable pace – a speed or rate that can be kept up long-term
sustainable effort – exertion that does not lead to fatigue over time
🔄 Synonyms
bearable (adj.) – able to be endured or tolerated
tolerable (adj.) – acceptable or manageable despite difficulties
manageable (adj.) – capable of being controlled or handled
🚫 Antonyms
unsustainable (adj.) – too difficult to maintain or endure
overwhelming (adj.) – too intense or severe to handle
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