Non-sustainable

Describing a practice, system, or process that cannot be maintained at a certain rate or level indefinitely. It implies a depletion of resources, damage to the environment, or societal collapse if continued. This often refers to activities that are not environmentally friendly, economically viable in the long run, or socially equitable. These actions create negative consequences for future generations and often involve utilizing resources faster than they can be replenished or ecosystems can recover.

Non-sustainable meaning with examples

• The rapid deforestation for agricultural expansion in the Amazon rainforest is a non-sustainable practice. It leads to biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and contributes to climate change, threatening the long-term viability of both the ecosystem and the economic activities dependent on it. Eventually, the land becomes unusable.
• Relying heavily on fossil fuels without investing in renewable energy sources represents a non-sustainable energy policy. The extraction and combustion of these fuels cause pollution and contribute to climate change while also depleting finite resources, ultimately leading to supply instability and ecological damage.
• A business model focused solely on maximizing short-term profits at the expense of worker well-being and environmental impact is considered non-sustainable. This can lead to employee burnout, environmental degradation, and ultimately, damage to the business's reputation and long-term profitability.
• An agricultural practice that depletes soil nutrients at a rate faster than they can be replenished is non-sustainable. This results in decreased crop yields over time, increased reliance on chemical fertilizers, and potential soil degradation, threatening food security for future generations.