What is the difference between sustain and maintain?

How do I use sustain in a sentence?

Is sustain common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

sustain

/səˈsteɪn/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To keep something going or alive over time; to support or maintain.

The policy aims to sustain economic growth.
Farmers work to sustain their land for future seasons.
This diet can sustain your energy all day.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: sustain differs from endure (more passive, simply lasting) and from persevere (emphasises effort through difficulty). Writers choose sustain when focusing on ongoing support for growth or life rather than just survival.

In other languages

Spanish: sostener
Japanese: 維持する
Korean: 지속시키다
Vietnamese: duy trì
Chinese: 维持

Common phrases

sustain lifesustain a businesssustain an argument

Synonyms

maintain support keep up preserve uphold

Frequently asked questions

Is sustain formal or informal?: Is sustain formal or informal?
What is the difference between sustain and maintain?: What is the difference between sustain and maintain?
How do I use sustain in a sentence?: How do I use sustain in a sentence?
Is sustain common in academic writing?: Is sustain common in academic writing?