Another Word for Sustainability – Meaning, Synonyms, and Examples

The word sustainability is a core concept referring to the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level, particularly concerning environmental protection and ecological balance. To make your English more varied and specific, learning another word for sustainability will help. Using synonyms allows you to specify whether you mean longevity, ecology, or viability.

What is Another Word for Sustainability?

A great synonym for sustainability (in the context of long-term survival or support) is viability. Sustainability means the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level. Viability means the ability to work successfully or endure. Both words capture the core idea of long-term functionality and the capacity to survive. Learning words like viability helps you emphasize the practical capacity for a system, plan, or resource to be successful over time.

Meaning of “Sustainability”

Sustainability means the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level; or, the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.

We use it for long-term survival (financial sustainability), resource management (environmental sustainability), or feasibility (project sustainability).

Synonyms for “Sustainability”

Here are some common ways to say sustainability:

• Viability: The ability to work successfully or endure. (A strong alternative emphasizing practical, long-term success.)
• Longevity: Long existence or service. (Used when emphasizing duration and persistence.)
• Ecology: The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings. (Used when emphasizing the environmental/scientific aspect.)
• Continuity: The unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over a period of time. (Used when emphasizing uninterrupted operation.)
• Endurance: The capacity of something to last or withstand strain. (Used when emphasizing resilience and lasting power.)

Example Sentences

• The consulting firm was hired to assess the financial viability of the new venture.
• The company’s longevity in the market is a testament to its adaptive business model.
• Protecting the local ecology is crucial for the health of the entire watershed.
• Maintaining regulatory continuity helps ensure market stability.
• The structure’s endurance was severely tested during the hurricane.

Mini Dialogue

Sam: “We need a plan for the sustainability of our energy resources.”

Mia: “We must ensure the long-term viability of the system. Focusing on renewable sources will help guarantee longevity.”

Sam: “And that will benefit the region’s overall ecology.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Don’t use Ecology if you are talking about business practices or finances. Ecology is strictly about the scientific relationship between organisms and environment.

✅ Do use Viability for practical success/survival and Longevity for duration.

Let’s Practice!

Which synonym best fits this sentence? “The city government created a ten-year plan designed to ensure the economic __________ of local businesses.” (Answer: Viability – This synonym works best because it refers specifically to the ability of the businesses to work successfully and endure over the long term.)

Practice Tip

Use viability or longevity instead of “sustainability” in your next business discussion to emphasize the success criteria.

Final Note

Knowing what is another word for sustainability and practicing synonyms like viability and longevity will help you describe long-term existence and success clearly.