The concept of sustainable development is still under construction, having transcended and being enriched, but also fragmenting, moving away from its origin. The indiscriminate use of the term "sustainable" has generated an exhaustion of its initial meaning, losing its meaning and hindering its rigorous analysis. This article promotes a critical discussion of the role of sustainability in the development of society, considering that this concept contemplates important changes in contemporaneity with respect to the values of society.