sustain
/səˈsteɪn/(verb)
AWL Sublist 5CEFR B2IELTS Band 7.0 - 9.0
Academic Definition
To strengthen or support physically or mentally; to undergo or suffer something unpleasant; to maintain continuously.
Key Academic Collocations
Click to copyWord Family & Derivatives
sustainsustainablesustainabilitysustainedunsustainable
Lexical Alternatives (Synonyms)
maintainprolongendurenourishbolster
Academic Sample Sentences in Context
"The line graph indicates a period of sustained economic growth, with annual GDP expanding by at least 4% for twelve consecutive years."
"Coastal infrastructure sustained catastrophic structural damage following the landfall of Category 5 typhoons."
"Modern agricultural practices must become ecologically sustainable to avoid permanent depletion of fertile topsoils."
IELTS Examiner Scoring Strategy (Lexical Resource)
'A period of sustained growth' in Task 1, and 'environmentally sustainable practices' in Task 2.