English · Culture & Society
sustainability
/səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/
[/səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/]
long-term viability
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The ability to maintain something over time without depleting resources or causing lasting harm.
Example
The company built its entire brand around environmental sustainability and renewable energy sources.
The company built its entire brand around environmental sustainability and renewable energy sources.
Etymology
From Latin 'sustinere' (to hold up); the environmental sense rose to prominence in the 1980s.
How & Where It’s Used
Frequent in environmental policy, corporate social responsibility, and development contexts.
Cultural Note
A central concept in modern environmental and corporate policy debates.