unsustainable
47
5.0
- adjective
- /ˌʌnˈsəsteɪnəbl/
- The Treasury Department is very clear that we are on an unsustainable path of debt accumulation.
- unsustainable development
- unsustainable practices
- economically unsustainable
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Watch on YouTubeAnd that has created a really unsustainable situation economically.
- And that has created a really unsustainable situation economically.
- Our small businesses don't deserve to be bankrupted by unsustainable tariffs.
- to live our lives. And we are now witnessing the breakdown of unsustainable ways of life.
- Don't tell me they didn't know that they were practicing an unsustainable behaviour.
- College debt is at a place that is so unsustainable.
- The Treasury Department is very clear that we are on an unsustainable path of debt accumulation.
- Let me not set myself up to fail by creating a rhythm here that is unsustainable.
Examples
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And that has created a really unsustainable situation economically.
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To them, our way of life is unsustainable.
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That is completely unsustainable and that is not a healthy market.
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Even though we're on an unsustainable path right now.
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But it's really an unsustainable way of life.
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I believe it may be unsustainable in the United States as well.
Academic text (2000) -
This system has become unsustainable.
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So that is in and of itself unsustainable and pretty unacceptable.
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And yet it is increasingly apparent that the status quo is unsustainable.
Academic text (2017) -
The reliance on fossil fuels is creating an unsustainable future for our planet.
Synonyms
2
6.4
Not able to succeed or continue, for example a project
1
7.6
Too damaged or complex to keep in good condition
1
7.2
Cannot continue without using up resources or causing harm
Antonyms
198
4.5
Can continue for a long time without using up resources or harming the environment
How Sustainable
613
3.2
1
3.7
198
4.5
47
5.0
128
4.4
17
8.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
unsustainable = sustainable (transparent) = un + sustain + able
The prefix 'un-' clearly negates the meaning of 'sustainable'.
Etymology
Unsustainable comes from un- 'not' and sustain 'to hold up' or 'support'. So if something is unsustainable, it cannot be 'held up' or 'kept going' for a long time, like a chair that cannot hold you or a plan that will fall.