steady state

noun

: a state or condition of a system or process (such as one of the energy states of an atom) that does not change in time

broadly : a condition that changes only negligibly over a specified time

steady-state

ˈste-dē-ˈstāt 

adjective

Examples of steady state in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With the opening of the Obama center, the Obama Foundation could mark its transition from startup to steady state with a pivot toward a concentrated focus on its own backyard. — David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

This would be a perfect time for super-steady state pole vault leader Dylan Yarbrough (17 feet, 1 inch) of San Dieguito Academy to move past section record-holder Garrett Brown of La Costa Canyon, who topped 17-2 in 2021. — Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026

Economists caution that surging oil prices, inflation, and potential global recession could dampen hiring progress despite the labor market’s current steady state. — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026

Oil, by contrast, will likely remain expensive because the oil industry has been in a steady state of demand, Orlando says, and investors will likely remain skeptical about investing in multiyear projects in response to a sudden, possibly temporary, price spike. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for steady state

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

steady state

noun

: a state or condition of a system or process that does not change or changes only slightly over time

on the average a living cell maintains a steady state

Medical Definition

steady state

noun

1

: a state or condition of a system or process (as one of the energy states of an atom) that does not change in time

2

: a state of physiological equilibrium especially in connection with a specified metabolic relation or activity