sustained
sustained — adjective
1. happening steadily over a long stretch of time, maintaining the same force or pa
happening steadily over a long stretch of time, maintaining the same force or pace — used to describe effort, growth, applause, interest, or any activity that keeps going at a steady level.
The team's sustained effort throughout the season earned them a place in the finals.
sustained + effort — effort that continues over time
Doctors warn that sustained stress can lead to serious health problems over the years.
After the reforms, the region entered a period of sustained economic growth.
The audience gave the pianist sustained applause that lasted several minutes.
Interest in the museum's new exhibition has been sustained since the day it opened.
- continuous
focuses on unbroken sequence; 'sustained' adds the idea of maintained intensity
- prolonged
emphasises that something lasts longer than expected; less focus on steady force
- steady
suggests consistency and stability; does not necessarily imply long duration
- persistent
used for conditions or problems that refuse to go away; often negative
- brief
a very short duration, opposite of prolonged continuity
- temporary
lasting only for a limited time, with no expectation of continuation
- intermittent
stopping and starting, the opposite of steady continuousness
文法句型
sustained + noun
be + sustained
用法筆記
Commonly combines with nouns like effort, growth, interest, applause, pressure, and attack. Unlike temporary or brief, this word carries the idea that the thing continues without dropping in force or intensity.
常見錯誤
2. showing that a person continues trying hard to achieve something, especially whe
showing that a person continues trying hard to achieve something, especially when facing difficulties or opposition — used about someone's effort, commitment, or determination itself.
Selim's sustained commitment to his studies helped him pass every exam with high marks.
sustained + commitment — persistent dedication despite difficulty
The charity relies on sustained support from local volunteers who give their time each week.
Despite losing two matches, Ignacio made a sustained attempt to win the tournament.
Tunde showed sustained focus on the research problem until he found a solution.
With sustained determination, the small team built a successful company from nothing.
- determined
more general; 'sustained' adds the idea of ongoing effort over time
- persistent
similar, but can carry a slightly negative tone for unwelcome things
- dogged
suggests stubbornness; more informal and emphatic
- resolute
focuses on firmness of purpose rather than the duration of effort
- half-hearted
showing little effort or enthusiasm, the opposite of determined
- waverering
uncertain or unsteady in effort; the opposite of resolute persistence
文法句型
sustained + abstract noun (effort, attempt, drive, commitment)
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (CONTINUING), which describes events or conditions, this sense describes a person's attitude or actions. It often appears with nouns such as attempt, commitment, effort, focus, and determination. The person is assumed to face obstacles or difficulty.