English Reference

Word

static

Phoneticsstat·ic, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈstætɪk/

UK/stˈætɪk/

Definitions

01unchanging

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. staying the same and not changing or moving.

adj. characterised by a lack of movement, action, or change; remaining in a fixed state.

“The population of the small village has remained static for the last ten years.”

“Economists expressed concern that wages remained static despite the sharp increase in the cost of living over the same period.”

Antonyms

02programming

C1 · Advanced Computing Technical

adj. describing parts of a computer program that are fixed before the program starts running.

adj. pertaining to elements of a program that are fixed at compile-time rather than being determined at runtime.

“The developer used a static variable to keep track of how many times the app was opened.”

“By declaring the method as static, the programmer ensured it could be accessed without needing to instantiate the class first.”

Antonyms

03signal interference

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the crackling noise or fuzzy picture you get on a radio or TV when the signal is bad.

n. audible or visible interference in a broadcast signal caused by atmospheric disturbances or electromagnetic noise.

“There was so much static on the radio that I couldn't hear the news.”

“The old television set produced nothing but grey static, suggesting the antenna had been disconnected during the storm.”

04static electricity

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science

n. an electric charge that builds up on the surface of an object, often giving you a tiny shock.

n. a stationary electric charge, typically produced by friction, which causes sparks or the attraction of dust or hair.

“I got a shock from static after walking across the carpet and touching the door handle.”

“The dry winter air increased the buildup of static, causing the laundry to cling together as it came out of the dryer.”

05conflict or complaints

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Informal · American English · Slang

n. angry talk, complaints, or trouble from other people.

n. verbal opposition, criticism, or unwanted interference from others.

“The boss gave me a lot of static because I was ten minutes late.”

“The senator expected some static from the opposition, but he was surprised by the level of hostility from his own party members.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “static” in context.

Adjective

01. static model

“The researchers used a static model to analyze the population at a single point in time.”

adj + noun

Real-World Examples

“That conclusion conflicted with the prevailing view at the time, which held that the universe was static and had remained essentially the same throughout cosmic history.”
ScienceDaily 18 Aug 2026
“It had permission for one static and one touring caravan but building work took place between around 2018 and 2022.”
BBC News 15 Aug 2026

Etymology

Modern Latin staticus, from Ancient Greek στατικός (statikós), from ἵστημι (hístēmi, “to make stand”). By surface analysis, stasis + -tic.

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

Word family

ADJECTIVE

Related words

Domain

Programming

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Common
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference