stability
stuh-BIL-uh-tee
/stəˈbɪləti/
The state of being stable; resistance to change, movement, or collapse.
In geotechnics, it refers to the ability of a slope or foundation to remain in place under load.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'stabilitas', from 'stare' (to stand). It describes the quality of being able to stand firm without falling.
Word relationships
- steadiness: Steadiness is more about lack of shaking; stability is about resistance to total failure.
- firmness: Firmness is a quality of the material itself; stability is a quality of the whole system.
- instability: The tendency to move or collapse.
Commonly confused with
- stasis: Stasis is a lack of movement; stability is the ability to resist movement.
Word family
- stable (adjective): Firmly fixed; not likely to move or change.
- stabilize (verb): To make something stable.
Collocations
- structural stability
- slope stability
- economic stability
Example sentences
- "The retaining wall was built to improve the stability of the hillside and prevent erosion." Civil engineering
- "The architect was concerned about the structural stability of the old building after the earthquake." Architecture
Memory hook
If you can 'stand' (stare), you have 'stability'. Stay standing.
When not to use
While it can refer to emotions, in this context, it is strictly physical.
Fun facts
- Bicycles are actually more stable when they are moving than when they are standing still due to gyroscopic effects.
Related words
Also appears in
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