Unsustainability: meaning, definitions and examples
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unsustainability
[ˌʌnsəsteɪnəˈbɪləti ]
Definition
environmental impact
The quality of not being sustainable; the inability to be maintained or continued at a certain level without causing harm to the environment or society. Unsustainability often arises from overconsumption, pollution, and resource depletion.
Synonyms
fragility, instability, non-sustainability.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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unsustainability |
This term is typically used in environmental or economic discussions to describe a process or practice that cannot be maintained in the long term due to resource depletion or negative impacts.
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non-sustainability |
Similar to unsustainability, this term is used to talk about practices or systems that cannot continue over the long term but may be preferred for emphasizing the inability to maintain a specific condition or state.
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instability |
Instability refers to the state of being prone to unpredictable changes or lack of steady structure. It can be used in various contexts, including politics, economics, and personal circumstances.
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fragility |
Fragility is often used to describe physical objects, social systems, or mental states that are easily damaged, broken, or disrupted. It conveys a sense of vulnerability and delicacy.
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Examples of usage
- Rapid deforestation is leading to the unsustainability of the local ecosystem.
- The company's practices are contributing to the unsustainability of the planet.
- Climate change is a result of the unsustainability of our current way of life.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'sustain' comes from the Latin word 'sustinere', meaning to hold up or support.
- The prefix 'un-' means 'not', so 'unsustainability' literally means 'not being able to be supported or maintained'.
- The concept began gaining serious attention in the 1980s, especially with the publication of the Brundtland Report in 1987.
Environmental Science
- Unsustainability is often linked to overconsumption of natural resources, leading to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
- Climatic changes, driven by unsustainable practices, can lead to extreme weather conditions affecting agriculture and water supply.
- Urbanization without planning can create unsustainable cities, causing pollution and putting strain on infrastructures.
Economics
- Many industries face unsustainability when profit-driven motives lead to environmental degradation.
- Economic systems that prioritize short-term gains over long-term health can result in unsustainable market practices.
- Investing in sustainable practices is increasingly seen as vital for economic resilience and stability.
Social Impact
- Unsustainability often affects marginalized communities most, as they may lack resources to adapt to environmental changes.
- Social movements are advocating for more sustainable practices to secure a better future for the next generations.
- The concept highlights the need for fairness and equity in resource distribution among all people.
Pop Culture
- Many modern movies and books raise awareness about unsustainable practices and the importance of environmental protection.
- Documentary films like 'Our Planet' showcase the impact of human actions on the environment and advocate for sustainability.
- Musicians and artists incorporate themes of unsustainability into their work, pushing for social change through creative expression.
Translations
Translations of the word "unsustainability" in other languages:
🇵🇹 insustentabilidade
🇮🇳 अस्थिरता
🇩🇪 Unnachhaltigkeit
🇮🇩 ketidakberlanjutan
🇺🇦 незбалансованість
🇵🇱 niezrównoważenie
🇯🇵 持続不可能性 (じぞくふかのうせい)
🇫🇷 insoutenabilité
🇪🇸 insostenibilidad
🇹🇷 sürdürülemezlik
🇰🇷 지속 불가능성 (jisok bulganeungseong)
🇸🇦 عدم الاستدامة
🇨🇿 neudržitelnost
🇸🇰 neudržateľnosť
🇨🇳 不可持续性 (bù kě chí xù xìng)
🇸🇮 nevzdržnost
🇮🇸 ósjálfbærni
🇰🇿 тұрақсыздық
🇬🇪 არამდგრადობა
🇦🇿 dayanıqlılıq
🇲🇽 insostenibilidad