sustaining
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: sustainings
Sense 1
Meaning · English
The process by which something is sustained or upheld.
Noun
Examples
Beginnings are very different from sustainings; the irregular, often violent, and improvised actions of the founder hero must be succeeded by the regular election of leaders according to law.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
That sustains, supports or provides sustenance.
Adjective
Examples
[…] eternall life, the end of all our wearisome labours, and all our sustaining hopes.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “sustaining” mean?
The process by which something is sustained or upheld.
Is “sustaining” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.