stability

American  

[stuh-bil-i-tee] / stəˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

stabilities

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:

   balance, solidity, poise, soundness, strength, steadiness

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.

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stability British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nonstability noun
• overstability noun
• self-stability noun

Etymology

Origin of stability

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

"She definitely said that it's something that she said felt passionate about, parents being able to be committed and devoted through their own stability."

From BBC

In his speech to Israeli lawmakers, Modi did not say that explicitly, but said that India "supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability".

From Barron's

These valuations often lag the public markets by months and can be smoothed, giving the illusion of stability.

From MarketWatch

In principle, distributing risk across diverse investors with different horizons and risk appetites enhances financial stability.

From MarketWatch

Younger candidates are campaigning on promises to overhaul a stagnant economy and remove an ageing political elite, while veteran politicians emphasise stability and security if returned to power.

From Barron's

Related Words

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