is unsustainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unsustainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, practice, or resource that cannot be maintained over the long term without causing harm or depletion. Example: "The current fishing practices in the region are unsustainable and threaten the local fish populations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Such indebtedness is unsustainable.

The Economist

It is unsustainable.

The New York Times

This is unsustainable.

The Economist

"That is unsustainable".

The New York Times

This discrepancy is unsustainable.

The Economist

This combination is unsustainable.

The Economist

This gap is unsustainable.

Studies in Multidisciplinarity

Now it is unsustainable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Everyone knows it is unsustainable.

Independent

Stalemate is unsustainable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Such attitudes are unsustainable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is unsustainable", ensure you clearly articulate why something cannot be maintained. Providing specific reasons strengthens your argument and adds credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "is unsustainable" as a vague, generalized critique. Instead, provide concrete evidence or data to support your claim. For example, instead of saying "the project is unsustainable", specify "the project is unsustainable due to a lack of funding and inadequate resources."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unsustainable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's inability to be maintained at its current rate or level. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express that a situation, resource use, or practice cannot continue indefinitely without negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is unsustainable" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that cannot be maintained in the long term. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's frequently used in news, academic, and scientific contexts to express concern about practices or situations that may lead to negative outcomes. For effective writing, remember to provide context by explaining why something is unsustainable and avoid using it as a vague critique. Alternatives include "cannot be maintained" and "is not viable". By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can use "is unsustainable" effectively in your own writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be maintained

Focuses on the inability to keep something at its current level or state.

is not viable

Emphasizes the lack of practical applicability or ability to succeed.

is not feasible

Highlights the impracticality or impossibility of achieving something.

cannot continue

Directly addresses the cessation of an activity or process.

is not tenable

Suggests that a position or situation is indefensible or cannot be maintained.

is not supportable

Implies that something lacks the resources or justification to continue.

is bound to fail

Emphasizes the inevitability of a negative outcome or collapse.

is destined to collapse

Highlights the eventual breakdown or failure of a system or structure.

is doomed to end

Implies that a negative conclusion is unavoidable.

is running out of time

Focuses on the limited timeframe available before a negative outcome occurs.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is unsustainable"?

When something "is unsustainable", it means that it cannot be maintained at its current rate or level indefinitely. This often implies that it will eventually lead to negative consequences or collapse.

How to use "is unsustainable" in a sentence?

You can use "is unsustainable" to describe practices, systems, or situations that cannot be maintained in the long term. For example: "The current rate of resource consumption "is unsustainable"."

What can I say instead of "is unsustainable"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be maintained", "is not viable", or "is not feasible" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "is unsustainable" and "is inefficient"?

"Is unsustainable" implies that something cannot continue indefinitely, often due to resource depletion or negative consequences. "Is inefficient", on the other hand, means that something wastes resources or time but may still be able to continue. A process can be inefficient without being unsustainable, and vice versa.