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

If recent stabilization holds, this deeply out-of-favor group may finally be laying the groundwork for a more durable upward turn.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Markets want to see a framework for stabilization in the Middle East, with the Strait of Hormuz reopened to crucial tanker traffic, said Schleif.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 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