unsustainable

adjective

un·​sus·​tain·​able ˌən-sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl How to pronounce unsustainable (audio)
Synonyms of unsustainablenext
: not capable of being prolonged or continued : not sustainable
unsustainable agricultural practices
unsustainable growth
unsustainability
ˌən-sə-ˌstā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce unsustainable (audio)
noun
unsustainably
ˌən-sə-ˈstā-nə-blē How to pronounce unsustainable (audio)
adverb
an unsustainably high rate of growth

Examples of unsustainable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Co-owner Rosa Marte de Pacheco told CharlotteFive rising costs made the business unsustainable. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026 Some business owners have complained that the new capital requirement, which surged sixfold, significantly reduced their cash flow, rendering their business unsustainable. — Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 Murphy drew a parallel to bipartisan consensus against AI data centers, arguing that both parties recognize the rising cost of travel sports is unsustainable for many families. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Summary Volkswagen's unique governance, long prioritizing workers and unions over shareholders, is now unsustainable amid collapsing profits, especially from China, and fierce competition from Chinese EVs. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsustainable

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsustainable was circa 1677

Rhymes for unsustainable

See All Rhymes for unsustainable

Browse Nearby Words

unsuspicious
unsustainable
unsustained
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsustainable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsustainable. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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