Having a wide range of vocabulary at your disposal is essential when expressing yourself effectively. If you find yourself using the word “unsustainable” quite often, you may be looking for alternative terms to avoid repetition or to convey your message in a more relatable manner. In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal synonyms for the word “unsustainable,” as well as provide examples, tips, and regional variations (if necessary) along the way. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Synonyms for “Unsustainable”
- Unimanageable: This term implies that a situation or action is beyond control or incapable of being maintained. For example, “The company’s rapid expansion is unimanageable.”
- Nonviable: Used to describe something that is not capable of surviving or functioning long-term. For instance, “The project’s nonviable strategy led to its eventual failure.”
- Infeasible: Often used to describe something that cannot be accomplished given the current resources or circumstances. An example sentence could be, “The proposed marketing campaign was deemed infeasible due to budget constraints.”
- Unsustainable: Although we are exploring alternatives to “unsustainable,” it is worth noting that sometimes using the word itself can be the most effective choice, particularly in formal writing or technical discussions.
- Not viable: Similar to “nonviable,” this term emphasizes the lack of long-term feasibility. For instance, “The current business model is not viable in the rapidly changing market.”
Informal Synonyms for “Unsustainable”
In more casual conversations or informal writing, it is often helpful to use simpler language to ensure widespread understanding. Here are some informal synonyms for “unsustainable” that you can incorporate into your vocabulary:
- Unmanageable: Similar to “unimanageable,” this word indicates the lack of ability to handle or control a situation. For example, “The growth of the student population has become unmanageable for the school.”
- Not doable: This phrase implies that something cannot be done or achieved in a sustainable manner. For instance, “The proposed plan is not doable given the limited resources.”
- Unsustainable: As with formal contexts, using “unsustainable” as an informal synonym remains an appropriate choice in many cases.
- Not practical: Used to describe something that is not feasible or realistic. For example, “The proposed budget cuts are not practical in the long run.”
- Unsustaining: This term, derived from “unsustainable,” emphasizes the lack of long-term viability. An example sentence could be, “The company’s bad financial practices are unsustaining.”
Examples and Tips for Usage
Now that we have explored a variety of alternative words, let’s look at some examples and tips to effectively use these synonyms:
Example 1: The current environmental policies are unsustainable given the increasing rate of deforestation in the region.
Avoid repetition: The current environmental policies are unmanageable given the increasing rate of deforestation in the region.
In this example, replacing “unsustainable” with “unmanageable” eliminates repetition and creates a more engaging sentence.
Example 2: The rapid expansion of the company’s operations is not sustainable in the long run.
Use an informal synonym: The rapid expansion of the company’s operations is not doable in the long run.
By replacing “unsustainable” with “not doable,” the sentence becomes more relatable and easier to understand, especially in casual conversations.
Regional Variations
Language is influenced by culture and varies across regions. While synonyms for “unsustainable” are relatively consistent across English-speaking countries, some variations exist. It’s important to consider your audience when selecting alternatives. For example, Australians may prefer terms such as “untenable” or “unviable,” while Canadians might lean toward “non-operational” or “impracticable.”
By expanding your vocabulary with both formal and informal synonyms, you can confidently express yourself in various situations without sounding repetitive or confusing. Remember to choose the appropriate term based on the context and your audience’s language preferences.
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of how to say “unsustainable” in other words. With practice, you will become more adept at utilizing these alternatives and enriching your expression. Happy exploring!
