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Sustainable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sustainable

[sษ™หˆsteษชnษ™b(ษ™)l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

development

Capable of being sustained; able to be maintained at a certain rate or level. In the context of development, it refers to practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Synonyms

eco-friendly, environmentally friendly, green, renewable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sustainable

Something that is capable of being maintained over the long term without harming the environment.

  • The company is focused on developing sustainable practices
  • Sustainable agriculture practices help preserve the soil
environmentally friendly

Similar to eco-friendly, this phrase describes practices, products, or technologies that are not harmful to the environment.

  • Switching to environmentally friendly vehicles can reduce your carbon footprint
  • The hotel uses environmentally friendly toiletries
eco-friendly

Products or practices that do not harm the environment.

  • We are using eco-friendly cleaning products
  • These eco-friendly bags are made from recycled materials
green

A general term often used to describe products, initiatives, and practices that are aimed at promoting environmental health.

  • The company has adopted several green initiatives
  • He lives in a green building that's designed to reduce energy consumption
renewable

Refers to energy sources or resources that are replenished naturally and are therefore more sustainable over the long term.

  • Solar and wind power are two common types of renewable energy
  • They are investing in renewable resources to decrease dependence on fossil fuels

Examples of usage

  • Sustainable development aims to address the needs of the present without jeopardizing the needs of future generations.
  • Companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact.
  • The government introduced policies to promote sustainable agriculture.
  • The construction industry is moving towards more sustainable building materials.
  • Sustainable energy sources like solar and wind power are gaining popularity.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

  • Sustainable practices include using renewable resources like solar and wind energy instead of fossil fuels.
  • Agriculture that preserves the environment is key to food sustainability, which is crucial for future food security.
  • The 'circular economy' concept promotes recycling and reusing materials to minimize waste and environmental impact.

Economics

  • Sustainable economic practices aim to balance profit-making with environmental protection and social equity.
  • The term 'triple bottom line' captures profitability, people, and the planet, emphasizing comprehensive success.
  • Sustainable investment funds are gaining popularity as investors seek to support environmentally responsible companies.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many Indigenous cultures have long practiced sustainability, understanding the importance of living in harmony with nature.
  • Various global movements, like Earth Day, emphasized the importance of sustainability for all cultures and nations.
  • Sustainable tourism promotes experiences that respect local cultures and support conservation efforts.

Technology

  • Innovations in green technology, such as electric vehicles and energy-efficient appliances, enhance sustainability practices.
  • Sustainable tech focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of technology, making both production and disposal environmentally friendly.
  • Smart technologies, like AI and IoT, can optimize resource use, contributing to more sustainable living solutions.

Origin of 'sustainable'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Sustainable' comes from the Latin word 'sustinere', which means to hold up or support.
  • The concept began to gain prominence in the 1970s as people started focusing on environmental issues.
  • It was popularized in the Brundtland Report of 1987, which defined sustainability for the first time in a global context.

The term 'sustainable' originated from the Latin word 'sustinere', which means 'to uphold' or 'to support'. The concept of sustainability gained prominence in the 1980s with the publication of the Brundtland Report, which defined sustainable development as 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'. Since then, the idea of sustainability has become a key focus in various fields, from environmental conservation to business practices.

See also: sustain, sustainability, sustainably, sustained, sustaining, sustainment, sustenance, unsustainability, unsustainable.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,252 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.