What does sustained mean?
Sustained describes something that continues for a long time without interruption, often at a steady or consistent level. It commonly appears in phrases such as sustained effort, sustained attention, sustained applause, and sustained growth, where it emphasizes durability and continuity rather than a momentary burst of activity. The word can also function as the past tense and past participle of sustain: in “She sustained her interest,” it means she kept that interest going, while in “The bridge sustained heavy traffic,” it means the bridge supported or withstood that traffic. Because sustained conveys persistence and endurance, it often carries a mildly approving tone when applied to effort, support, or achievement, though it can also neutrally describe prolonged pressure or difficulty. Its adjective and verbal uses are both standard in British and American English.
Continuing for a long time without interruption or significant decline.
"The audience responded with sustained applause."
Often implies steadiness, persistence, or durability.
The past tense and past participle of sustain.
"The foundation sustained the building through the earthquake."
Used in the simple past and past participle forms; the second meaning is to keep going or to support something.
Sustained means more than merely lasting: it suggests endurance, steadiness, and the ability to keep going when the initial excitement has faded.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sustained come from?
The word ultimately comes from Latin sustinere, formed from the prefix sub- and tenere, “to hold,” giving the basic sense of holding up or supporting. It entered Middle English through Old French sustenir and developed into the English verb sustain. The past participle and adjective sustained developed from the same historical root, retaining the idea of something being kept in existence or continued over time.
How sustained is actually used
The adjective is common in formal and informational contexts, especially with words such as effort, attention, growth, pressure, and applause. It often implies steadiness or persistence rather than a brief occurrence.
Easily confused with sustained
Sustained describes something that continues over time, whereas sustainable describes something capable of being maintained without damaging resources or undermining future viability.