unsustained

Unsustained is an adjective used to describe something that is not sustained, not maintained, or not supported over time or by evidence. The term is formed from the prefix un- added to sustained and is most common in formal or technical contexts.

Etymology and usage

Unsustained derives from un- plus sustained, indicating a lack of persistence or justification. It is typically used to note that a claim, argument, hypothesis, or effort does not continue or fail to be supported by subsequent information. For example, a hypothesis may be described as unsustained if data do not back it up, or a claim may be called unsustained when evidence is insufficient to uphold it.

Applications in different domains

In scientific and analytical writing, unsustained conveys a need for further evidence or analysis. In music and related disciplines, the term can describe a note or motif that is not held for its full notated duration, contrasting with sustained articulation. In scholarly discussions, it may also apply more broadly to conclusions or interpretations that are not corroborated by the available data.

Examples

The committee labeled the theory unsustained by the experimental results. The editor noted that the argument appeared unsustained and urged additional documentation.

See also

Sustain, sustenance, sustainability, unsustainability.