non-renewable
Cannot be replenished
Non-renewable describes resources that exist in fixed quantities and cannot be replenished on a human timescale.
Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are the classic examples—once burned, they're gone for practical purposes.
The country is trying to reduce its dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
The term contrasts with renewable resources like solar or wind power.
Able to be used up
- limitedRestricted in extent
- scarceIn short supply
- boundedConfined within limits
- dwindlingProgressively becoming smaller
fixed · measurable · constrained · restricted · numbered · quantifiable · irreplaceable · reserve
Combustible sedimentary rock
- petroleumNatural underground hydrocarbon liquid
- natural gasSubterranean hydrocarbon fuel
- crude oilUnrefined fossil fuel
- oil shaleHydrocarbon-rich sedimentary formation
tar sands · bitumen · anthracite · lignite · peat · hydrocarbons · methane · diesel
Element ninety-two
- phosphatePO₄ ion compound
- rare earthsMetallic elements, misleadingly named
- copperReddish-brown metallic element
- iron oreExtractable metallic mineral deposit
bauxite · lithium · cobalt · helium · gold · silver · platinum · zinc
State of utter depletion
- overuseExcessive employment of something
- exploitationSelfish use of others
- diminishingBecoming progressively less
- drainageLiquid removal system
consumption · decline · wastage · drawdown · peak oil · running dry · overharvesting · overdrafting
Environmental harm from waste
- carbon emissionsReleased greenhouse gases
- greenhouse gasesEmissions that trap heat
- climate changePlanetary atmospheric transformation
- habitat destructionEliminating natural living spaces
air quality · oil spills · acid rain · carbon footprint · tailings · strip mining · fracking · mountaintop removal
Preventing waste or loss
- transitionChange from one state
- alternative energyNon-fossil fuel sources
- energy policyRules governing fuel use
- resource managementAllocating available means efficiently
circular economy · recycling · efficiency · substitution · divestment · decarbonization · energy security · stewardship
exhaustible
Able to be used up
dwindling · fixed · measurable · constrained · restricted · numbered · quantifiable · irreplaceable · reserve · terminal
coal
Combustible sedimentary rock
- petroleumNatural underground hydrocarbon liquid
- natural gasSubterranean hydrocarbon fuel
- crude oilUnrefined fossil fuel
oil shale · tar sands · bitumen · anthracite · lignite · peat · hydrocarbons · methane · diesel · gasoline
uranium
Element ninety-two
- phosphatePO₄ ion compound
- rare earthsMetallic elements, misleadingly named
- copperReddish-brown metallic element
iron ore · bauxite · lithium · cobalt · helium · gold · silver · platinum · zinc · nickel
exhaustion
State of utter depletion
- overuseExcessive employment of something
- exploitationSelfish use of others
- diminishingBecoming progressively less
drainage · consumption · decline · wastage · drawdown · peak oil · running dry · overharvesting · overdrafting · resource curse
pollution
Environmental harm from waste
- carbon emissionsReleased greenhouse gases
- greenhouse gasesEmissions that trap heat
- climate changePlanetary atmospheric transformation
habitat destruction · air quality · oil spills · acid rain · carbon footprint · tailings · strip mining · fracking · mountaintop removal · offshore drilling
conservation
Preventing waste or loss
- transitionChange from one state
- alternative energyNon-fossil fuel sources
- energy policyRules governing fuel use
resource management · circular economy · recycling · efficiency · substitution · divestment · decarbonization · energy security · stewardship · strategic reserves
- ecologyhabitat, ecosystem, balance, niche, food webs
- recyclingrecycle, recycling, recycling bin, recycle bin, recycling bins
non-renewablerenewable
Capable of restoration
replenishable · regenerative · sustainable · inexhaustible · perpetual
non-renewablesustainable
Able to endure long-term
green · clean · eco-friendly · solar · carbon-neutral
renew, renewal, renewed, renewing, renewable, renewals, unrenewed, unrenewable