stability

noun sta·bil·i·ty \ stə-ˈbi-lə-tē \

Updated on: 17 Apr 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

But if Thursday and Friday's relative stability is any indication, investors are interested in seeing what will happen next for the streaming giant.

— colin stutz, Billboard, "Spotify Stocks Find Stability Following Sell-Offs to Close First Week of Public Trading," 6 Apr. 2018
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that joint efforts by Moscow and Beijing help ensure strategic stability.

— Fox News, "Russia, China hail burgeoning ties," 5 Apr. 2018
Rallying Cry: My stability comes from some healthy self containment.

— bess matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes January 15-21," 5 Apr. 2018
But the stability of the individual market in Maryland has been under severe pressure due to the older and sicker patients who have enrolled and premium rates that didn’t cover the cost of care.

— scott dance, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland legislature approves plan to stabilize state's Obamacare market with new tax on insurers," 4 Apr. 2018
Instead of people ever commenting on my mental stability, people commented on my weight.

— alexia fernandez, PEOPLE.com, "Lisa Rinna Praises Daughter Amelia as 'Fearless' After Teen Revealed Her Battle with Anorexia," 3 Apr. 2018
Instead of people ever commenting on my mental stability, people commented on my weight.

— megan friedman, Harper's BAZAAR, "Model Amelia Gray Hamlin Opens Up About Her Eating Disorder Recovery," 3 Apr. 2018
The stability of being in the same defense for three years is helping more experienced players like Dinson learn and feel comfortable at multiple positions.

— james crepea, AL.com, "How Auburn is filling Nickel, Dime spots in reloading secondary," 30 Mar. 2018
However, its stability after opening can be affected by storage conditions.

— Southern Living, "WATCH: Do You Need to Store Ketchup in Your Refrigerator?," 29 Mar. 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

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