# stainless

/ˈsteɪnɫəs/ (US) · /stˈeɪnləs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stainless
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. metal that does not rust

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- We bought a new stainless steel sink for the kitchen renovation.
- The architect specified stainless steel cladding for the exterior to ensure the building maintained its appearance despite the salty coastal air.

### 2. morally pure

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary · Formal

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

For teachers: free from moral blemish or sin; possessing an unspotted reputation.

- After twenty years in politics, he still has a stainless reputation.
- The candidate presented himself as a man of stainless character, though his opponents worked tirelessly to find any past indiscretion.

### 3. stainless steel items

noun · CEFR B2

knives, forks, and spoons made from stainless steel.

For teachers: a collective term for cutlery or kitchenware manufactured from stainless steel alloys.

- She polished the stainless until it shone like a mirror.
- The restaurant invested in high-quality stainless for the dining room to reduce the long-term costs of replacing damaged silverware.

## Examples

- The kitchen has a large stainless steel sink.
- Most professional chefs prefer stainless steel pans because they are durable and do not react with acidic foods.
- The architect specified a brushed stainless finish for the exterior panels to ensure the building would maintain its aesthetic appeal despite the salty coastal air.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.