Unsustainable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unsustainable

[ ˌʌnsəˈsteɪnəbl ]

^{Context #1}

environmental

Not able to be maintained at the current rate or level, especially with regard to the use of natural resources or the impact on the environment.

Synonyms

unsupportable, untenable, untenable

Examples of usage

The logging in the rainforest is unsustainable and is causing irreparable damage to the ecosystem.
Our current agricultural practices are unsustainable and are leading to soil degradation.

^{Context #2}

economic

Not capable of being continued or maintained in the current financial or economic conditions.

Synonyms

unsound, untenable, unviable

Examples of usage

The company's high levels of debt made its business model unsustainable in the long run.
The government realized that the current tax system was unsustainable and needed to be reformed.

Translations

Translations of the word "unsustainable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insustentável

🇮🇳 अस्थिर

🇩🇪 nicht nachhaltig

🇮🇩 tidak berkelanjutan

🇺🇦 незбалансований

🇵🇱 niezrównoważony

🇯🇵 持続不可能な (じぞくふかのうな)

🇫🇷 non durable

🇪🇸 insostenible

🇹🇷 sürdürülemez

🇰🇷 지속 불가능한 (jisok bulganeunghan)

🇸🇦 غير مستدام (ghayr mustadam)

🇨🇿 neudržitelný

🇸🇰 neudržateľný

🇨🇳 不可持续的 (bù kě chíxù de)

🇸🇮 nevzdržen

🇮🇸 óviðráðanlegur

🇰🇿 тұрақсыз

🇬🇪 არამდგრადი

🇦🇿 dayanıqsız

🇲🇽 insostenible

Word origin

The word 'unsustainable' originated in the mid-19th century, with the prefix 'un-' indicating negation or reversal, and 'sustainable' referring to the ability to be maintained or supported over time. The term gained prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with the increasing recognition of environmental and economic challenges related to unsustainable practices.