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Definition of sustainability

sustainability

/səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/
sus · tain · a · bil · i · ty

Adverb:sustainably
•
Plural:sustainabilities
•
Adjective:sustainable
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sustainability Lexical Profile

sustainability Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance and support long-term environmental health.

Example

"The manufacturing company redesigned its packaging to improve environmental sustainability and reduce plastic waste."


2

The ability to be maintained at a certain rate, level, or standard over an extended period of time.

Example

"Economists expressed concern about the long-term sustainability of the rapid growth in housing prices."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for sustainability

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 20th century from 'sustainable' and '-ity', ultimately tracing back through Old French 'sustenir' to the Latin 'sustinere', meaning 'to hold up, bear, or endure'. Its modern ecological sense gained widespread international prominence in the late 1980s through the United Nations Brundtland Report.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sustainability. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sustainability
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