sustainable
adjective
sus·tain·able sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl 
1
: capable of being sustained
2
a
: of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged
sustainable techniques
sustainable agriculture
b
: of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods
sustainable society
sustainability
sə-ˌstā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē
noun sustainably
sə-ˈstā-nə-blē
adverb 
Synonyms
- defendable
- defensible
- justifiable
- maintainable
- supportable
- tenable
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
a line of argument that is probably not sustainable in a public forum against skilled debaters has no sustainable claim to the property without a deed or some other document
Recent Examples on the Web In particular, that means putting an emphasis during the development stage on sustainable production practices and on finding ways to make those productions more inclusive. 
Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 15 Sep. 2022 Now more than ever, consumers are demanding accountability and sustainable practices from their favorite brands, especially the ones who haven’t previously been part of the conversation. Tara Gonzalez, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Sep. 2022 Taking real measures toward sustainable practices means buyers will have to confront some unsettling truths about themselves. Essence, 8 Sep. 2022 But even as winemakers adapt, many consumers are unaware of the changes afoot or what makes for sustainable practices in the industry. Hollie Stephens, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2022 Minnesota officials say such sustainable land practices – natural buffers along riverbanks, cover crops, and no-till farming that lessen erosion – are needed to deal with the new climate. Doug Struck, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Aug. 2022 Boasting a lifetime of farming expertise, the 2Hawk crew employs sustainable agricultural practices and real-time conditions monitoring to fine-tune flavor and achieve unique combinations of flavor and personality. Sunset Magazine, 26 Aug. 2022 Founded by Karla Gallardo and Shipla Shah, Cuyana focuses on sustainable practices and providing heritage craftsmanship. Katarina Avendano, Good Housekeeping, 25 Aug. 2022 Muse founded Dirt, a charity that consults with fashion brands on sustainable farming practices. Emily Baron Cadloff, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Aug. 2022 See More
Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 15 Sep. 2022 Now more than ever, consumers are demanding accountability and sustainable practices from their favorite brands, especially the ones who haven’t previously been part of the conversation. Tara Gonzalez, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Sep. 2022 Taking real measures toward sustainable practices means buyers will have to confront some unsettling truths about themselves. Essence, 8 Sep. 2022 But even as winemakers adapt, many consumers are unaware of the changes afoot or what makes for sustainable practices in the industry. Hollie Stephens, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2022 Minnesota officials say such sustainable land practices – natural buffers along riverbanks, cover crops, and no-till farming that lessen erosion – are needed to deal with the new climate. Doug Struck, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Aug. 2022 Boasting a lifetime of farming expertise, the 2Hawk crew employs sustainable agricultural practices and real-time conditions monitoring to fine-tune flavor and achieve unique combinations of flavor and personality. Sunset Magazine, 26 Aug. 2022 Founded by Karla Gallardo and Shipla Shah, Cuyana focuses on sustainable practices and providing heritage craftsmanship. Katarina Avendano, Good Housekeeping, 25 Aug. 2022 Muse founded Dirt, a charity that consults with fashion brands on sustainable farming practices. Emily Baron Cadloff, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1
sustainable
adjective
1
as in justifiable
capable of being defended with good reasoning against verbal attack a line of argument that is probably not sustainable in a public forum against skilled debaters Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- justifiable
- defendable
- viable
- maintainable
- acceptable
- legitimate
- supportable
- defensible
- rational
- tenable
- reasonable
- sensible
- allowable
- verifiable
- unobjectionable
- admissible
- provable
- well-grounded
- warrantable
- explainable
- confirmable
- exceptionable
- explicable
- passable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- untenable
- unsustainable
- unjustifiable
- irrational
- ridiculous
- absurd
- extreme
- illogical
- unreasonable
- unsound
- indefensible
- outrageous
- unacceptable
- objectionable
- insupportable
- unfounded
- inexplicable
- groundless
- unexplainable
2
as in verifiable
capable of being proven as true or real has no sustainable claim to the property without a deed or some other document Synonyms & Similar Words
- verifiable
- supportable
- confirmable
- demonstrable
- empiric
- empirical
- defensible
- documentable
- justifiable
- provable
- checkable
- warrantable
- certifiable
- alleged
- excusable
- presumed
- assumed
- vindicable
- conjectured
- suspected
- well-founded
- guessed
- surmised
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unsustainable
- unsupportable
- unverifiable
- insupportable
- unprovable
- debatable
- indemonstrable
- refutable
- disputable
- disprovable
3
as in endurable
capable of being endured the general didn't think that such heavy casualties could be sustainable for much longer Synonyms & Similar Words
- endurable
- sufferable
- supportable
- tolerable
- livable
- acceptable
- survivable
- bearable
- liveable
- adequate
- satisfactory
- reasonable
- allowable
- permissible
- admissible
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- intolerable
- bad
- painful
- unsupportable
- terrible
- unbearable
- cruel
- horrible
- unacceptable
- awful
- vicious
- appalling
- dire
- insupportable
- unfortunate
- hideous
- harsh
- shocking
- unendurable
- horrifying
- gruesome
- dreadful
- insufferable
- monstrous
- vile
- ghastly
- wretched
- horrid
- nightmarish
- rotten
- torturous
- intense
- acute
- extreme
- horrendous
- macabre
- grisly
- lurid
- harrowing
- frightful
- agonizing
- excruciating
- nasty
- offensive
- deplorable
- abhorrent
- repugnant
- disgusting
- repulsive
- revolting
- evil
- distasteful
- loathsome
- sickening
- obnoxious
- heinous
- tormenting
- noxious
- piercing
- abominable
- unspeakable
- nauseating
- odious
- foul
- grewsome