unsustainably
|un/sus/tain/a/bly|
/ˌʌn.səˈsteɪ.nə.bli/
(unsustainable)
not maintainable
Etymology
'unsustainably' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'sustainably', which comes from 'sustain', derived from Latin 'sustinere', where 'sub-' meant 'under' and 'tenere' meant 'to hold'.
'sustain' changed from the Old French word 'sustenir' and eventually became the modern English word 'sustain'.
Initially, it meant 'to hold up or support', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'maintaining or supporting over time'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that cannot be maintained or continued at the current rate or level.
The company was growing unsustainably fast, leading to financial issues.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35