What does "stability" mean?

1. (steady condition) a situation where things stay the same and do not change in a bad way. 2. (physical balance) the ability of an object to stay balanced and not fall over.

How do you use "stability"?

Often used with adjectives like 'economic', 'political', or 'emotional'. Common in engineering, physics, and anatomy contexts.

stability

US //stəˈbɪɫɪti// UK //stəbˈɪlɪti// sta·bil·i·ty

1 steady condition (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a situation where things stay the same and do not change in a bad way.

the quality of being steady and resistant to sudden change or collapse, often applied to emotions, finances, or politics.

Example

After years of moving from city to city, she finally found some stability in her life.

Example

The central bank's primary objective is to maintain price stability and ensure the long-term health of the national economy.

Usage

Often used with adjectives like 'economic', 'political', or 'emotional'.
- steadiness
- solidity
- constancy
- instability
- uncertainty
2 physical balance (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

the ability of an object to stay balanced and not fall over.

the physical property of being balanced or fixed in place; the capacity of a structure or body to return to equilibrium after being disturbed.

Example

The wide base of the chair gives it more stability on uneven floors.

Example

Engineers tested the bridge's structural stability against high winds and seismic activity to ensure public safety.

Usage

Common in engineering, physics, and anatomy contexts.
- balance
- equilibrium
- sturdiness
- unsteadiness

Origin

From Middle English stabletee, stabilite, from Old French stabilité, from Latin root of stabilitas (“firmness, steadfastness”), from stabilis (“steadfast, firm”). Displaced native Old English staþolfæstnes.