unrenewable
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not capable of being renewed or restored; not able to be extended, replaced, or replenished once used or expired. This describes something that exists in a finite quantity or for a limited period and cannot be made available again in its original form.
Usage
The adjective "unrenewable" is used to describe resources, contracts, or items that cannot be extended, replenished, or made new again. It is often used in formal or technical contexts, particularly regarding natural resources and library materials. - It typically precedes the noun it modifies (e.g., an unrenewable resource). - It can also follow a linking verb like "is" or "are" (e.g., The lease is unrenewable).
Examples
- Describing Resources:
- Gas and oil are unrenewable resources.
- The nation must find alternatives to its unrenewable energy sources.
- Describing Items or Contracts:
- Books on that shelf are unrenewable.
- He was given an unrenewable five-year contract.
Advanced Usage
- "unrenewable" vs. "nonrenewable": While often used interchangeably, especially for resources, "nonrenewable" is significantly more common in modern usage. "Unrenewable" can sometimes carry a more absolute connotation of impossibility, whereas "nonrenewable" is the standard technical term.
- In Legal/Formal Contexts: Used to specify the terms of an agreement.
- The permit was granted on an unrenewable basis.
Variants and Related Words
- Nonrenewable (adj): The more frequently used synonym, especially for natural resources. (e.g., ).
- Renewable (adj): The direct antonym, meaning capable of being renewed or replenished. (e.g., , ).
- Finite (adj): Limited in size or extent. (e.g., ).
- Depletable (adj): Capable of being used up. (e.g., ).
Synonyms
- Nonrenewable
- Inexhaustible? (Antonym: This means incapable of being used up.)
- Finite
- Exhaustible
Antonyms
- Renewable
- Replenishable
- Perpetual (for contracts or licenses)
Adjective
- that can not be renewed
- books on that shelf are unrenewable
- gas and oil are nonrenewable resources