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

Smith returned to California in “a bad mental spot” — depression runs in his family, he says — but he regained some stability working as a nurse and as a worship leader.

From Los Angeles Times

This collaborative study initiated by the University of Surrey identifies previously hidden mechanisms that contribute to both efficiency and stability losses and addresses these challenges, helping the scientific community to advance this technology.

From Science Daily

Lai’s ongoing trial concerns allegations that Apple Daily published articles supporting the pro-democracy protests that rocked the city in 2019, which were seen by Beijing as a threat to national stability.

From BBC

Now, Scripps Research scientists have analyzed the structure and stability of a critical RSV and hMPV protein to better design vaccines that target it.

From Science Daily

Aslan Bzhania's press office said he was quitting "to maintain stability and constitutional order" and that the two sides had agreed protesters who had stormed the parliament in Sukhumi must disperse on Tuesday.

From BBC

Related Words

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