adj · neutral
sustainable
/səˈsteɪnəbəl/sus·TAIN·able
able to continue over the long term without causing harm or using up resources
Examples
“Sustainable farming methods help protect soil and water for future generations.”
“Cities are investing in sustainable transport to reduce pollution.”
“We need sustainable policies rather than short‑term fixes.”
Band 8 sentence
“For policies to be truly effective, they must be economically feasible and environmentally sustainable over decades, not just politically popular for a single term.”
Collocations
- sustainable development
- environmentally sustainable
- sustainable practices
Word family
Common mistakes
Sustainable is important for our city.→Sustainability is important for our city.
This policy will be permanent and sustainable.→This policy will be permanent.
Say it for a higher band
5long-term→6long-lasting→7+sustainable
Synonyms
viable
endurable
Easily confused
durable
“The new shoes are durable and should last for years.”
Related words
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In -able / -ible
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