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

“While positive, leverage remains high for a business with volatile earnings, and we would like to see more evidence of stabilization in crop-protection markets given pressured farmer profitability,” Jefferies says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

“The stabilization of Libya may also allow for tapping into resources for various industries—especially for high-tech and defense.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

“The return of volume growth and more rational capacity behavior are important milestones, but stabilization alone will not be sufficient to unlock Lamb Weston’s full earnings potential,” Starboard wrote in the letter, viewed by Barron’s.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“The market may be beginning to price in a more favorable cost/supply backdrop for OEMs, as any stabilization in memory pricing and supply would reduce a key overhang on hardware profitability,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 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