# static

/ˈstætɪk/ (US) · /stˈætɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/static
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. unchanging

adjective · CEFR B2

staying the same and not changing or moving.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. programming

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. signal interference

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. static electricity

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. conflict or complaints

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · American English · Slang

angry talk, complaints, or trouble from other people.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I don't want any static from you today.
- The two neighbors have been giving each other static ever since the new fence was built.
- The manager tried to implement the new policy without catching too much static from the senior staff who preferred the old system.

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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.