The word "sustainable" refers to the ability to maintain or continue something over the long term without depleting resources or causing harm to the environment. It often relates to practices that promote ecological balance, social equity, and economic viability. In a broader sense, sustainability can be applied to various fields, including agriculture, energy, and urban development.
The word "sustainable" originates from the Latin word "sustinere," which means "to hold up" or "to maintain." It combines the prefix "sub-" (under) with the word "tenere" (to hold), reflecting the concept of holding up or maintaining something over time.