renewable

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparabletechnical

   Able to be replaced naturally or continue indefinitely, as with certain energy sources.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: 'renewable energy'. Not usually compared.

   Patterns

   • renewable energy
   • renewable resources
   • renewable sources

   Solar and wind power are renewable sources of energy.

   The country aims to get 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

   Wood is a renewable resource if forests are managed sustainably.

2. 2adjectivenot comparable

   Capable of being extended or renewed, as a contract, license, or subscription.

   Grammar: Often used after a noun: 'a contract renewable annually'.

   Patterns

   • renewable contract
   • renewable license
   • renewable annually

   The lease is renewable for another five years.

   My visa is renewable, so I can stay longer if I apply.

   This is a renewable subscription that automatically charges you each year.

Common combinations

renewable energy

The government is investing heavily in renewable energy.

renewable resources

Fish are a renewable resource if fishing is controlled.

renewable contract

She signed a renewable contract with the company.

Synonyms and how they differ

sustainable

Sustainable means able to continue without damaging the environment; renewable specifically means naturally replaced, like solar or wind.

replaceable

Replaceable means can be replaced by something else; renewable means it can be renewed or replenished naturally.

Opposites

Word family

renew verb

To make something new again or extend its validity.

renewal noun

The act of renewing or being renewed.

renewably adverb

In a renewable manner (rare).

Commonly confused: renewable or nonrenewable?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “renewable”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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