C1verb2K

UK/["/səˈsteɪn/","/səˈsteɪnz/","/səˈsteɪnd/","/səˈsteɪnɪŋ/"]/US/["/səˈsteɪn/","/səˈsteɪnz/","/səˈsteɪnd/","/səˈsteɪnɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Sustain

to provide enough of what somebody/something needs in order to live or exist

In simple words: To keep something going or maintain it.

Sustain in a sentence

  • We must find ways to sustain our natural resources for the future.
  • The athlete was able to sustain a high level of performance throughout the competition.
  • Her enthusiasm for the project helped to sustain the team's motivation.
  • He struggled to sustain his focus during the long lecture.
  • To sustain economic growth, we need innovative solutions.
  • The funding was crucial to sustain the organization's operations.
  • They aim to sustain the tradition of craftsmanship in their products.
  • It is important to sustain a balanced diet for long-term health.

How to use Sustain

Use 'sustain' in contexts about keeping something alive or supporting it over time. It can be formal when discussing topics like environmental issues or less formal in conversations about personal interests.

Grammar pattern

sustain + object

Memory hint

Think of 'sustain' as 'stay sane' — imagine maintaining your sanity in a stressful situation.

Related words

Collocations with Sustain

  • no longer
  • barely
  • indefinitely
  • be able to
  • can
  • be unable to

Synonyms for Sustain

Opposites of Sustain

Common mistakes with Sustain

  • 'Sustain' is often confused with 'sustained' as a past form.
  • Learners sometimes forget to add an object after 'sustain'.
  • 'Sustain' is misused when referring to temporary situations, instead of ongoing support.

Compare Sustain with Suffer, Uphold, Bear

Sustain appears in

Sustain in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about Sustain

What does Sustain mean?

To keep something going or maintain it.

What is the definition of Sustain?

to provide enough of what somebody/something needs in order to live or exist

How do you use Sustain in a sentence?

We must find ways to sustain our natural resources for the future.

Can you give another example of Sustain?

The athlete was able to sustain a high level of performance throughout the competition.

What are synonyms for Sustain?

Common alternatives include suffer, uphold, bear, uphold.

What is the opposite of Sustain?

Opposite meanings include neglect, abandon, cease.

What words go with Sustain?

It commonly pairs with no longer, barely, indefinitely, be able to, can, be unable to.

What are common mistakes when using Sustain?

'Sustain' is often confused with 'sustained' as a past form. Learners sometimes forget to add an object after 'sustain'. 'Sustain' is misused when referring to temporary situations, instead of ongoing support.

How do you pronounce Sustain?

US: /["/səˈsteɪn/","/səˈsteɪnz/","/səˈsteɪnd/","/səˈsteɪnɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/səˈsteɪn/","/səˈsteɪnz/","/səˈsteɪnd/","/səˈsteɪnɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Sustain?

Use 'sustain' in contexts about keeping something alive or supporting it over time. It can be formal when discussing topics like environmental issues or less formal in conversations about personal interests.

What CEFR level is Sustain?

"Sustain" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.