संधारणीयता का अर्थ पारिस्थितिकी विज्ञान में होता है कि कोई जैविक तंत्र कैसे विविधता बनाये रखते हुए लंबे समय तक उत्पादन करता रह सकता है। दीर्घ अवधि से क्रियाशील और जैविक रूप से स्वस्थ आर्द्रभूमियाँ और वन इसके प्रमुख उदाहरण हैं। सामान्य अर्थों में संधारणीयता का अर्थ सीमित प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का इस तरह से उपयोग करना है कि भविष्‍य में वे हमारे लिए समाप्‍त न हो जाएं।

Sustainability is a social goal for people to co-exist on Earth over a long time. Definitions of this term are disputed and have varied with literature, context, and time. Sustainability usually has three dimensions : environmental, economic, and social. Many definitions emphasize the environmental dimension. This can include addressing key environmental problems, including climate change and biodiversity loss. The idea of sustainability can guide decisions at the global, national, and individual levels. A related concept is that of sustainable development, and the terms are often used to mean the same thing. UNESCO distinguishes the two like this: "Sustainability is often thought of as a long-term goal, while sustainable development refers to the many processes and pathways to achieve it."