stability

noun sta·bil·i·ty \ stə-ˈbi-lə-tē \

|Updated on: 6 Aug 2018

Definition of stability

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

See stability defined for English-language learners

See stability defined for kids

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 of stability from the Web

The straps markedly improved the load’s comfort and stability.

— kelly bastone, Outside Online, "The Best Women’s Backpacking Packs," 13 July 2018
For patients, Tai Chi has shown a reduction in falls and depression along with improving postural stability.

— mary lou cruz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Fort Lauderdale area events July 18-28," 13 July 2018
Climbing the canyons above Malibu, California, handling the tight, twisting sweepers, descending into quick switchbacks, the Expedition exudes confidence and stability.

— aaron bragman, USA TODAY, "Review: Ford's revamped Expedition SUV moves to the front of the pack," 13 July 2018
Our nation is turning inward, placing renewed value on kinship ties and stability in work and residence.

— lyman stone, Vox, "The myth of the job-hopping, rootless millennial is just that — a myth," 11 July 2018
Cody O’Connell and Cole Madison were all-conference selections and their departures leave the offensive line in search of some stability up front.

— matt murschel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Despite hurdles, Washington State is No. 48 in 2018 preseason college football rankings," 10 July 2018
Nampa's financial stability ranking didn't take into account a $165 million loan voters approved in May to pay for upgrades to the city's sewer system, Polk said.

— sven berg, idahostatesman, "Congratulations, Nampa and Boise. You're among the 'best-run cities' in America.," 9 July 2018
North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean won’t be getting infusions of stability from NATO, which also cannot offer a counterweight to Erdogan’s nationalist rhetoric for Turkey.

— heather hurlburt, Daily Intelligencer, "Even the Best-Case Scenario for What Trump Does at the NATO Summit Is Pretty Grim," 9 July 2018
But its status remains precarious – as does that of the European Union, which depends on Germany's stability to unite the increasingly fractious bloc.

— chris cottrell, The Christian Science Monitor, "Immigration deal saves German government, points to European future," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stability.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of stability

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

stability Synonyms

STABILITY Defined for English Language Learners

stability

noun

Definition of stability for English Language Learners

: the quality or state of something that is not easily changed or likely to change
: the quality or state of something that is not easily moved
: the quality or state of someone who is emotionally or mentally healthy