Jätkusuutlikuma

Jätkusuutlikuma is the Estonian genitive singular form of the comparative adjective jätkusuutlik, meaning “more sustainable.” In Estonian, adjectives agree with the noun they modify in case and number; when the head noun is in the genitive, the adjective takes the genitive singular ending, resulting in jätkusuutlikuma. The base comparative form is jätkusuutlikum, and the corresponding superlative is jätkusuutlikaim.

Usage and function: Jätkusuutlikuma is used to express a higher degree of sustainability in noun phrases, typically before a noun in the genitive or in fixed constructions where the head noun is in genitive. Examples include phrases such as jätkusuutlikuma tuleviku, jätkusuutlikuma variandi, or jätkusuutlikuma valiku, which translate roughly to “a more sustainable future,” “a more sustainable variant,” or “a more sustainable choice.” The form signals comparison and is common in policy language, journalism, and corporate communication about sustainability.

Examples:

- Meie eesmärk on jätkusuutlikuma tuleviku loomine. (Our goal is the creation of a more sustainable future.)

- Ettevõte valis jätkusuutlikuma variandi. (The company chose the more sustainable variant.)

- Arutelul rõhutati jätkusuutlikuma valiku olulisust. (The discussion emphasized the importance of a more sustainable choice.)

Etymology and related forms: The word jyetkusuutlikuma derives from jätkusuutlik (sustainable) with the comparative ending formed as jätkusuutlikum; the superlative is jätkusuutlikaim. The full paradigm varies with case and number, as is typical for Estonian adjectives.

See also: sustainability, Estonian grammar, comparative adjectives.