sustainability
pl. uncountable
Commonality score: 2 (Common)
Translations
Arabic: الاستدامة (al-istidāma)
Chinese (Mandarin): 可持续性 (kě chíxù xìng)
French: durabilité
German: Nachhaltigkeit
Hindi: स्थिरता (sthiratā) / सततता (satattā)
Japanese: 持続可能性 (jizoku kanōsei)
Korean: 지속 가능성 (jisok ganeungseong)
Polish: zrównoważony rozwój / trwałość
Portuguese: sustentabilidade
Russian: устойчивость (ustoychivost')
Spanish: sostenibilidad
Thai: ความยั่งยืน (khwām yàngyūn)
Turkish: sürdürülebilirlik
Vietnamese: tính bền vững
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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, translations could be misleading. Check with your teacher if you are unsure.
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Noun type
Abstract Noun: "Sustainability" is an abstract, uncountable noun because it refers to a concept rather than a tangible object. It is always singular and does not have a plural form.
The word sustainability comes from the verb sustain, which originates from the Latin sustinere ("to hold up, support, endure"), composed of sub- ("under") and tenere ("to hold"). The noun form developed in English from sustainable in the mid-20th century.
Definition/s
- The ability to be maintained over the long term without depleting resources or causing harm.
- The practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, particularly in environmental and economic contexts.
- The capacity of a system, organisation, or process to endure and remain effective over time.
Examples
- The company is working on improving the sustainability of its supply chain.
- Many businesses are adopting policies to ensure the sustainability of their operations.
- Environmental sustainability is a key focus in the fight against climate change.
- Governments must balance economic growth with sustainability to protect natural resources.
What are Openers?
- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
1. Open Questions
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
2. Stories
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
3. Opinions
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
What are Openers?
- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
1. Open Questions
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
2. Stories
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
3. Opinions
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
The Skinny
You’ve been asked to brief a senior executive (the “boss”) on a key issue from a recent business news event. This person is busy and relies on you to give them insight, not headlines.
You have 60–90 seconds to deliver a concise, high-value update tailored to their concerns and communication preferences.
1. Read the boss profile carefully.
- Who are they?
- What do they care about?
- What do they not want to hear?
2. Stick to their focus.
- What part of the story matters most to them?
- Don’t explain everything—prioritise.
3. Use business English.
- Be clear, precise, and professional.
- Avoid informal or emotional language.
Two Papal Styles: Clerical vs. Pastoral
Not all popes lead the same way. Some focus more on rules and tradition, while others focus on care and connection. These two styles are often called clerical and pastoral.
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
🟣 Clerical Style
- Focuses on rules, tradition, and Church authority
- Speaks with clear, firm direction
- Keeps strong boundaries between Church leaders and members.
Example: A clerical pope might defend strict Church teachings on family or sacraments.
🟢 Pastoral Style
- Focuses on compassion, listening, and inclusion
- Tries to meet people where they are.
- Emphasises mercy over judgment.
Example: A pastoral pope might welcome divorced people or support migrants and the poor.
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