Unsustainability: meaning, definitions and examples

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unsustainability

 

[ ˌʌnsəsteɪnəˈbɪləti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
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.

  • The unsustainability of fossil fuel consumption is a major concern for environmentalists
  • The current economic model shows signs of unsustainability
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.

  • The non-sustainability of plastic production poses serious environmental threats
  • The firm must address the non-sustainability of their business practices to survive in the future
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.

  • Political instability in the region has led to widespread unrest
  • The patient's condition shows signs of instability and needs to be monitored
  • Economic instability can deter investors from entering a market
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.

  • The fragility of ancient artifacts requires careful handling
  • After the crisis, the economy showed signs of fragility
  • Her emotional fragility became apparent during stressful situations

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.

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

Etymology

The term 'unsustainability' emerged in the late 20th century in response to growing concerns about the impact of human activities on the environment. As the awareness of climate change and ecological degradation increased, the concept of unsustainability became central to discussions on environmental conservation and sustainable development. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address the unsustainable practices that threaten the well-being of future generations.

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