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

Like all geological boundaries, it will take time to find our way to stability.

From Nautilus

It also means more economic stability, which helps populations weather a storm—whatever form the next one may take.

From Fortune

“The plan has added a level of stability and has been a positive for Maine,” he said.

From Fortune

You want to see this chart flat-lining—a sign of market stability—not climbing.

From Fortune

Some 80% of world trade now flows through countries with declining political stability scores, as measured by the World Bank.

From Fortune

But that stability can be withdrawn as easily as it was granted.

From The Daily Beast

One specific kind of emergency is at the heart of this, such as when an airplane suffers a loss of stability at night.

From The Daily Beast

The pyramids of Meroe await a day when stability will allow outsiders to peek at a forgotten ancient kingdom.

From The Daily Beast

A Shiite stronghold wrapped in a Sunni explosive belt—not exactly a picture of stability.

From The Daily Beast

Failing to forge lasting stability would leave us, this author and his like-minded aides, to call for a Transitional Council.

From The Daily Beast

In any social movement, then, change and alteration in a new direction must be balanced against the demands of social stability.

From Project Gutenberg

Its wealth and stability were also an additional inducement to the kings in granting to the towns their firma burgi.

From Project Gutenberg

Their elegance, no less than their stability, betokens the advancement of manners as well as of wealth.

From Project Gutenberg

The Unions already aim at ensuring stability of employment through deliberate regulation of trade.

From Project Gutenberg

For the most part people went about their business with an entirely irresponsible confidence in the stability of the universe.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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