stability
stuh-BIL-ih-tee
/stəˈbɪləti/
The state of being stable; resistance to change, disintegration, or displacement.
Can refer to physical balance, emotional health, or political/economic conditions. It implies a lack of dangerous fluctuations.
The story behind the word. The root 'stare' (to stand) is one of the most productive in English, giving us 'status,' 'station,' and 'static.' 'Stability' is the quality of being able to stand your ground and not be knocked over by external forces.
Word relationships
- steadiness: Steadiness is more informal and often refers to physical movement or a person's hand.
- equilibrium: Equilibrium is a more technical term for a state of balance between opposing forces.
- instability: Instability is the direct opposite, a state of being likely to change or fail.
- volatility: Volatility implies rapid and unpredictable change, especially in markets or emotions.
Commonly confused with
- stagnation: Stability is a healthy lack of change; stagnation is a harmful lack of growth.
Word family
- stable (adjective): Not likely to change or fail.
- stabilize (verb): To make or become stable.
Collocations
- economic stability
- emotional stability
- political stability
- price stability
Example sentences
- "The country enjoyed a period of remarkable political stability after decades of civil unrest." Politics
- "The stability of the chemical compound was tested under extreme temperatures to ensure it wouldn't break down." Science
Memory hook
Think of a 'stable' for horses—it's a solid building where things 'stand' still. Stability = Standing firm.
When not to use
Don't use it to mean 'stagnation.' Stability is usually positive; stagnation is negative.
Fun facts
- In ship design, 'stability' is the tendency of a vessel to return to an upright position after being tilted by wind or waves.
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