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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The financial instability of recent years heightened awareness of what can be lost—income, stability, opportunity—fueling efforts to prevent future financial shortfalls. Ron Shevlin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 This often happens to serve decision-makers and stakeholders who want to portray a consistent image of stability and success in order to hasten the inaugural process. Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 1 July 2025 Others will be looking to you for guidance this month, and your ability to provide stability will set the tone for what’s to come. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025 The future of American agriculture and food stability may hinge on how swiftly policymakers can respond to the sector's call for balancing enforcement with sustainable labor policies. Billal Rahman dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stability

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

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Cite this Entry

“Stability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stability. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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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