stability

[stuh-bil-i-tee]

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.

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 Word Forms

• nonstability noun
• overstability noun
• self-stability 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

As this attachment deteriorated, the ice upstream began to flow more quickly, reducing the shelf's mechanical stability.

Read more on Science Daily

Ueda said raising rates at an appropriate speed won’t put the brakes on Japan’s economy—rather, it would take the foot off the accelerator enough to achieve growth and price stability.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Understanding how these systems respond to rising CO2 is therefore vital for both ocean science and the long-term stability of fisheries that depend on them.

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Paid leave gives workers and families the financial stability and time to lead healthy, flourishing lives.

Read more on Salon

He will say Chancellor Rachel Reeves's statement will help to alleviate cost of living pressures, lower inflation and ensure economic stability.

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Related Words

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