stabilization

American  

[stey-buh-li-zey-shuhn] / ˌsteɪ bə lɪˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of stabilizing or the state of being stabilized.

2. Also called stabilization process.  Photography. a process for making temporary black-and-white prints using special sensitized paper stabilization paper that can be rapidly processed through one or two solutions that quickly develop and stabilize the nonpermanent image.

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Other Word Forms

• restabilization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of stabilization

First recorded in 1920–25; stabilize + -ation

Explanation

If you're seasick on a rocking boat, you're probably wishing for a little stabilization, or steadying. Stabilization is often used in describing volatile things, like economic markets, unstable governments, or structures or buildings that have been disturbed by a natural disaster, like an earthquake. For example, in order for stabilization to occur in a developing country, the political and military powers need to be in agreement. In a less serious realm, a house of cards might also need stabilization!

Example Sentences

He asked the community for continued patience over the next few hours as crews worked to validate the initial data they were seeing regarding temperature stabilization.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

As the stabilization agent, when he’s satisfied with the price, Paci will decide to open SpaceX.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

After enduring a prolonged stretch of underperformance, medical device stocks are beginning to show early signs of stabilization as investors rotate back toward defensive growth areas of the healthcare sector.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

As economist Nicolás Cachanosky noted recently on his Substack, Economic Order, attempts at Argentine stabilization aren’t new.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

Holly couldn’t even hear herself, but she did see the stabilization fins slide out on the monitor.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer