stability

stability — noun

1. the condition of being firm, steady, and unlikely to change or be disturbed sudd

1.nounB2
Definition

the condition of being firm, steady, and unlikely to change or be disturbed suddenly — for example, a ladder that does not wobble, a government that stays in power, or a person whose mood does not swing wildly from day to day.

Example

Yasmin felt a deep sense of stability living in the same neighbourhood for twenty years.

stability + of a long-term situation

Hugo checked the ladder's stability by shaking it before climbing to fix the roof tiles.

stability of a physical object

Common collocations
  • emotional stability
  • political stability
  • economic stability
  • financial stability
  • long-term stability
  • relative stability
  • achieve stability
  • maintain stability
  • restore stability
  • bring stability to
  • a sense of stability
  • stability of [something]
  • threaten stability
  • undermine stability
Synonyms
  • steadiness

    more common for physical objects and movements

  • security

    emphasises freedom from threat or danger

  • constancy

    focuses on not changing over time, often in relationships or conditions

  • balance

    suggests equal forces keeping something in position

Antonyms
  • instability

    the direct opposite; a state of frequent or unpredictable change

Grammar Patterns

stability + of + noun phrase

Usage Note

英文的 stability 可對應中文的「穩定」、「穩定性」或「穩定度」。泛指狀態時常用「穩定」（經濟穩定、情緒穩定）；強調事物本身不易改變的性質或特質時宜用「穩定性」（材料的穩定性、化學穩定性）；而「穩定度」多用於可量化或分級的場合（系統的穩定度高）。一般日常生活中表達「不變動的狀態」，直接用「穩定」即可。

Common Mistakes

Economic stabilization is essential for growth.' (when the speaker means the state, not the process)
Economic stability is essential for growth.
stability 指穩定的狀態，stabilization 指達到穩定的過程或行動。

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe a state free from disruptive change, but they highlight different facets. 'Steadiness' is the closest general substitute; it works well for physical objects (a ladder's steadiness) and for pace (steady progress). 'Security' adds a layer of safety — a society can be stable but insecure if people feel threatened, whereas security implies both stability and safety. 'Constancy' emphasises continuity over time and is most natural in emotional or relational contexts (the constancy of a friend's support); it sounds more formal and literary than stability. 'Balance' suggests an equilibrium of opposing forces (work-life balance, balance of power) and therefore implies active management rather than passive steadiness. In everyday speech, stability is the broadest and most neutral choice. For example: 'He valued the stability of his job' (no strong connotation) vs. 'He valued the security of his job' (safety from layoffs) vs. 'He valued the constancy of his income' (reliable year after year).

steadinesssecurity ↗constancybalance ↗

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Stability comes from Latin 'stabilitas', meaning 'firmness, steadfastness', which is built on 'stare' (to stand). The root idea is something that stands firmly and does not fall or waver. It entered English through Old French 'stabilite' in the 1300s and has kept its core meaning ever since.