08/06/2026
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1. Maintain = keep something in its existing state or condition
It often implies preserving, continuing, or taking care of something.
Maintain a car → service it regularly.
Maintain good health → keep yourself healthy.
Maintain peace → preserve peace.
Maintain a friendship → continue it over time.
Maintain that... → insist that something is true.
He maintains that he is innocent.
2. Sustain = keep something going despite difficulty; support so it continues
It often suggests providing the support needed for something to survive or endure.
Sustain growth → keep growth continuing.
Sustain an effort → continue the effort over a long period.
Sustain life → provide what is needed to stay alive.
Sustain damage/injuries → suffer or experience them.
The building sustained serious damage in the storm.
Compare
The government is trying to maintain economic stability.
→ Keep stability at its current level.
The government is trying to sustain economic growth.
→ Keep growth continuing over time.
It's hard to maintain a garden.
→ It takes work to keep it in good condition.
It's hard to sustain this pace of work.
→ It's difficult to continue working this intensely for long.
Quick rule
Maintain = preserve / keep in good condition.
Sustain = support / keep going, especially over time or under pressure.