What is unsustainable? Definition and examples

Unsustainable refers to anything we cannot continue at its current rate, i.e., we cannot keep it going. We use the term for debts, economic development, agricultural practices, and things we do that cause environmental damage. If something is unsustainable, we cannot prolong it or continue with it.

Put simply; unsustainable things are those that we cannot sustain. ‘To sustain‘ something means to be able to continue it or maintain it for a decent period.

Recognizing the unsustainable aspects of our activities is crucial for taking timely action to shift towards more enduring and responsible practices.

We also use the term when describing a remark that the speaker cannot defend or uphold. For example, if I say to you “That remark is unsustainable,” I mean that you cannot defend or uphold it.

The Macmillan Dictionary has the following two definitions of the term:

“1. Not capable of continuing at the same rate or level.”

“2. Unsustainable farming methods, industries, etc. damage the environment because they use up more energy, wood, coal etc than can be replaced naturally.”

Unsustainable
For anything to be sustainable, we must work within the available limits. If we go beyond them, it becomes unsustainable.

Unsustainable debt

If you borrow money, you have to pay it back. Typically, if a bank grants you a loan, you pay it back over a period in monthly installments.

What happens if your installments are so great that you cannot get by? In other words, you cannot pay your rent or mortgage, your supermarket bills, gas, electricity, water, etc. You will eventually default, i.e., be unable to pay your monthly installments.

If you default because you cannot manage financially, it is because your debt is unsustainable, i.e., you cannot service that debt.

In this context, we use the term for private individuals, companies, governments, and even the whole world.

Many countries’ debts have reached critical levels. The IMF (International Monetary Fund) and other agencies have been telling China for years that its credit growth is unsustainable.

Types of energy sources

We need energy to maintain our current standard of living. We need energy to keep our homes warm or cool and to travel in our vehicles and airplanes. Without energy, society would return to the dark ages.

There are two types of energy sources: 1. Sources that we can renew or replenish, i.e. sustainable energy sources. 2. Sources that will eventually run out, i.e., unsustainable energy sources.

  • Sustainable energy sources

We can continue using these types of energy sources forever because they never run out.

We use wind to generate electricity. Wind is not a finite resource, i.e., we do not eventually use it all up. Therefore, wind is a sustainable energy source.

The following sources are also renewable: water, waste, crops, sunlight, the Earth’s internal heat, and wood.

In theory, the Earth’s internal heat will eventually run out in billions of years’ time. However, as far as humans are concerned, with our 80-year life expectancy, it is an infinite resource.

  • Unsustainable energy sources

We have been using fossil fuels for hundreds of years. Oil, butane gas (gas), and coal are fossil fuels.

We will not be able to continue using fossil fuels forever. We won’t because one day they will run out, i.e., they are exhaustible. There is a finite amount of fossil fuel energy sources on Earth.

When our coal, oil, and gas reserves run out, we won’t be able to replace them with more fossil fuels. Therefore, fossil fuels are unsustainable energy sources.

The reliance on these unsustainable energy sources drives the urgent need for innovation and adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Unsustainable agricultural practices

These are farming practices that we will not be able to keep up forever. We won’t be able to keep them up because of the damage they cause.

Scientists say that some agricultural and aquaculture practices present serious threats to animal and plant species. They also present a threat to ecosystems across the world.

Aquaculture or aquafarming includes fish farming, and the farming of algae, aquatic plants, mollusks, and crustaceans.

All areas that humans farm provide vital habitats for many animals and plants.

When we manage agricultural operations in a sustainable way, we help preserve and restore these vital habitats. These ‘sustainable agricultural practices’ help improve soil health, water quality, and protect watersheds.

However, when the practices are unsustainable, they present serious threats to species and ecosystems.

Below is a list of some of the negative consequences of unsustainable agricultural practices:

Derivatives of “sustain”

“Unsustainable” is a derivative of “sustain.” There are many other derivatives of that word. Let’s take a look at them, their meanings, and how we can use them in context (example sentences):

  • Sustain (verb)

To maintain, support, or endure.
Example: “The bridge was designed to sustain heavy loads during rush hour traffic.”

  • Sustainable (adjective)

Capable of being maintained or continued without depleting resources or causing severe ecological damage.
Example: “The company is shifting towards sustainable practices to minimize its environmental impact.”

  • Unsustainable (adjective)

Not able to be maintained at the current rate or level; likely to cause damage or deplete resources.
Example: “The current rate of deforestation is unsustainable and poses a threat to wildlife.”

  • Sustainability (noun)

The quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.
Example: “Sustainability is at the core of our new business model.”

  • Sustainer (noun)

One who sustains or keeps something going.
Example: “As a sustainer of the arts, she donated generously to the local theater.”

  • Sustainably (adverb)

In a way that can be maintained or continued without harm or depletion of resources.
Example: “The farm grows all its produce sustainably, ensuring soil health for future generations.”

  • Sustaining (adjective)

Serving to sustain, support, or prolong.
Example: “The sustaining members contribute regular funding to keep the charity’s programs running.”

  • Unsustainably (adverb)

In an unsustainable manner; in a way that cannot continue at the same rate or level.
Example: “If we continue to consume resources unsustainably, we will face a global crisis.”

  • Sustained (adjective)

Continued over an extended period; not faltering or weakening.
Example: “The actor gave a sustained performance that captivated audiences every night.”

Video – What is Unsustainable?

This video presentation, from our YouTube partner channel – Marketing Business Network, explains what a ‘Unsustainable’ is using simple and easy-to-understand language and examples.