nonrenewable

adjective

non·​re·​new·​able ˌnän-ri-ˈnü-ə-bəl 

-ˈnyü-

: not able to be renewed : not renewable

a nonrenewable service contract

especially : unable to be replaced or replenished once used

… most of the natural resources that we exploit for energy and minerals are nonrenewable. Once they have been used up, they cannot be replenished—at least in our lifetime.

—Sheldon Judson and Marvin E. Kauffman

A nonrenewable resource is a resource that cannot be replaced after it is used. Minerals and many fuels are nonrenewable resources.

—Dr. Timothy Cooney et al.

Physical and economic shortages of nonrenewable resources require research programs aimed at developing renewable replacement resources.

—Predicasts Technology Update

Lubbock is the principal city of the semi-arid southern High Plains of Texas, where the extensive, nonrenewable Ogallala aquifer is the major water resource.

—AAG Abstracts

Examples of nonrenewable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The endowment, which was established when New Mexico became a state in 1912, is funded by taxes on revenue from nonrenewable resources, mainly oil and gas reserves. —Maya Huter, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024

Developing countries often rely heavily on nonrenewable energy sources, not because of a preference for fossil fuels but out of dire necessity. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

For comparison, virgin nylons are derived from nonrenewable fossil fuels using an energy-intensive production method that results in significant carbon emissions. —Outside Online, 9 July 2024

But, but — any resource saved is a plus; and the problems are often on the user end, so being conscientious actually matters; and for me, at least, the extra second to choose a different bin is a constant reminder to use nonrenewable resources sparingly. —Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above