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

The home ministry said it remained "committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in" Ladakh and have "meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders".

From Barron's

“It provides stability for the companies and for our membership. It’s better for everybody.”

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, Xi may use the summit to project an image of statesman-like stability, in contrast with the turbulence unleashed by his US visitor -- and avoid Iran altogether.

From Barron's

Air traffic has slowed and foreigners are fleeing the Gulf, whose image of business-friendly stability has taken a huge hit.

From Barron's

These formulations improved both the stability of the fuel blend and the quality of combustion inside the engine.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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