stability

noun

sta·​bil·​i·​ty stə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce stability (audio)
plural stabilities
1
: the quality, state, or degree of being stable: such as
a
: the strength to stand or endure : firmness
b
: the property of a body that causes it when disturbed from a condition of equilibrium or steady motion to develop forces or moments that restore the original condition
c
: resistance to chemical change or to physical disintegration
2
: residence for life in one monastery

Examples of stability in a Sentence

the country's political and economic stability Test the platform for stability before using it. There are some questions about the applicant's mental stability.
Recent Examples on the Web As The New Republic reported, the move improved financial stability, civic engagement, and quality of life for parents and child-care educators. Elliot Haspel, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2024 This stability expands to many other poll findings. John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2024 According to Gehrman, the main purpose of Pilates is building strength and stability in your fullest range of motion, rather than simply training to become more powerful in one specific movement. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 14 Mar. 2024 Other experts also mentioned economic stability (but not necessarily economic wealth); a connection to the environment; and resilience. Calmatters, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 At stake is whether Gaza’s descent into lawlessness and hunger can be arrested, and a path toward Mideast stability – and eventual peace – can be discerned. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mar. 2024 These measurements also underscore the particle’s stability. Quanta Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024 Stability Ball Roll-Out Try out the stability ball roll-out exercise next to improve your strength. Jacqueline Andriakos, Health, 13 Mar. 2024 Looking to usher in a new era at the north London club, manager Arteta signed Ødegaard on a permanent deal, in a move that finally gave the playmaker stability. Ben Church, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stability was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near stability

Cite this Entry

“Stability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stability. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stability

noun
sta·​bil·​i·​ty stə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce stability (audio)
plural stabilities
: the condition of being stable

Medical Definition

stability

noun
sta·​bil·​i·​ty stə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce stability (audio)
plural stabilities
: the quality, state, or degree of being stable
emotional stability
chemical stability

More from Merriam-Webster on stability

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