stability

[ stuh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural sta·bil·i·ties.

1. the state or quality of being stable.
2. firmness in position.
3. continuance without change; permanence.
4. Chemistry. resistance or the degree of resistance to chemical change or disintegration.
5. resistance to change, especially sudden change or deterioration:

   The stability of the economy encourages investment.

6. steadfastness; constancy, as of character or purpose:

   The job calls for a great deal of emotional stability.

   Synonyms: soundness, steadiness, balance, solidity, poise, strength

7. Aeronautics. the ability of an aircraft to return to its original flying position when abruptly displaced.
8. Roman Catholic Church. a vow taken by a Benedictine monk, binding him to residence for life in the same monastery in which he made the vow.

stability

/ stəˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being stable
2. the ability of an aircraft to resume its original flight path after inadvertent displacement
3. meteorol
   1. the condition of an air or water mass characterized by no upward movement
   2. the degree of susceptibility of an air mass to disturbance by convection currents
4. ecology the ability of an ecosystem to resist change
5. electrical engineering the ability of an electrical circuit to cope with changes in the operational conditions
6. a vow taken by every Benedictine monk attaching him perpetually to the monastery where he is professed

Other Words From

• nonsta·bili·ty noun
• over·sta·bili·ty noun
• self-sta·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stability¹

First recorded in 1400–50; from Latin stabilitās, from stabili(s) stable ² + -tās -ty ²; replacing late Middle English stablete, from Old French, from Latin, as above

Example Sentences

Considering it was the second consecutive season that Cronin had added at least eight new players, roster stability appears to have gone the way of baggy shorts.

From Los Angeles Times

“With President Trump, the Middle East experienced historic levels of peace and stability. Strength prevents wars. Iran’s money was cut off which prevented their funding of global terror,” he said.

From BBC

Xiaohongshu prohibits content that “disrupts social order,” “undermines social stability” or “violates public order and morals.”

From Los Angeles Times

The loss of older units like Sanchez’s that make up the majority of apartments in L.A. and fall under the city’s rent stabilization ordinance, which limits annual rent increases and provides a measure of stability.

From Los Angeles Times

Customers missed the convenience and stability of Hydra.

From Salon

Related Words

• balance
• cohesion
• establishment
• security
• strength
• support