steady

American  

[sted-ee] / ˈstɛd i /

adjective

steadier, steadiest

1. firmly placed or fixed; stable in position or equilibrium.

   a steady ladder.

   Synonyms:

   firm

2. even or regular in movement.

   the steady swing of the pendulum.

3. free from change, variation, or interruption; uniform; continuous.

   a steady diet of meat and potatoes;

   a steady wind.

   Synonyms:

   invariable

4. constant, regular, or habitual.

   a steady job.

5. free from excitement or agitation; calm.

   steady nerves.

6. unfaltering; firm.

   a steady gaze;

   a steady hand.

7. steadfast or unwavering; resolute.

   a steady purpose.

8. settled, staid, or sober, as a person, habits, etc.

9. Nautical. (of a vessel) keeping nearly upright, as in a heavy sea.

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interjection

1. (used to urge someone to calm down or be under control.)

2. Nautical. (a helm order to keep a vessel steady on its present heading.)

noun

plural

steadies

1. Informal. a person whom one dates exclusively; sweetheart.

2. Informal. a steady visitor, customer, or the like; habitué.

verb (used with object)

steadied, steadying

1. to make or keep steady, as in position, movement, action, character, etc..

   His calm confidence steadied the nervous passengers.

verb (used without object)

steadied, steadying

1. to become steady.

adverb

1. in a firm or steady manner.

   Hold the ladder steady.

2. Informal. steadily, regularly, or continuously.

   Is she working steady now?

idioms

1. go steady, to date one person exclusively.

   Her father didn't approve of her going steady at such an early age.

steady British  

/ ˈstɛdɪ /

adjective

1. not able to be moved or disturbed easily; stable

2. free from fluctuation

   the level stayed steady

3. not easily excited; imperturbable

4. staid; sober

5. regular; habitual

   a steady drinker

6. continuous

   a steady flow

7. nautical (of a vessel) keeping upright, as in heavy seas

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verb

1. to make or become steady

adverb

1. in a steady manner

2. informal to date one person regularly

noun

1. informal one's regular boyfriend or girlfriend

interjection

1. nautical an order to the helmsman to stay on a steady course

2. a warning to keep calm, be careful, etc

3. a command to get set to start, as in a race

   ready, steady, go!

steady More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing steady

• go steady
• slow but sure (steady wins the race)

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Related Words

See steadfast.

Other Word Forms

• oversteadiness noun
• oversteady adjective
• steadier noun
• steadily adverb
• steadiness noun

Etymology

Origin of steady

First recorded in 1520–30; 1905–10 steady for def. 12; stead + -y ¹

Explanation

The adjective steady describes something that is firmly fixed in position. If you have to climb up on your roof, you definitely want to have a steady ladder. Otherwise, you risk ending up in the bushes instead of on the roof. The adjective steady can also describe something that isn't going to fluctuate wildly. If you have a steady income from a salary, you bring in approximately the same amount of money each month. If you are paid on commission, on the other hand, you may make Midas look poor in some months and beggars look rich in others. As a verb, to steady means "to make something steady" (big surprise): You can steady a wobbly table by sticking a matchbook under its shortest leg, or you could steady a nervous dog with a reassuring pat.

Example Sentences

The company also anticipates steady shareholder returns with a dividend payout ratio around 50% of recurring net income.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

It has led to a steady global phaseout of chemicals that once damaged the ozone layer and increased risks such as skin cancer.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

Second, software makers must show investors that they can use AI themselves to deliver growth with steady or falling head count.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

Trump appointed Powell to lead the Federal Reserve during his first term in 2017, praising his "steady leadership, sound judgement, and policy expertise".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“That was odd—puffs instead of steady, and reaching us down in big trees,” Buzz said.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

Related Words

• consistent
• constant
• continuous
• incessant
• persistent
• regular
• stable
• unbroken
• uninterrupted