English Reference
adjective · noun

stainless

adj. · n.
US /ˈsteɪnɫəs/ UK /stˈeɪnləs/ stain·less

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    adj.made of a special metal that does not rust or get stained easily.

    adj.describing a steel alloy containing chromium that is resistant to rusting, corrosion, and staining.

    Simple

    We bought a new stainless steel sink for the kitchen renovation.

    In context

    The architect specified stainless steel cladding for the exterior to ensure the building maintained its appearance despite the salty coastal air.

    rust resistantcorrosion proof
    corrodible
  2. 02 C1 Advanced LiteraryFormal

    adj.having a perfect reputation or being free from any moral mistakes.

    adj.free from moral blemish or sin; possessing an unspotted reputation.

    Simple

    After twenty years in politics, he still has a stainless reputation.

    In context

    The candidate presented himself as a man of stainless character, though his opponents worked tirelessly to find any past indiscretion.

    pureunblemishedspotless
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    n.knives, forks, and spoons made from stainless steel.

    n.a collective term for cutlery or kitchenware manufactured from stainless steel alloys.

    Simple

    She polished the stainless until it shone like a mirror.

    In context

    The restaurant invested in high-quality stainless for the dining room to reduce the long-term costs of replacing damaged silverware.

Usage stainless steel

Tesco also said sales of its stainless steel colanders rose by more than 130% week on week, while sales of its plastic versions rose 13%.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

From stain + -less.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated