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.
Cash is the cornerstone of financial stability in retirement. Chris Carosa, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 Advocates argue that this framework has provided the foundation for decades of stability and prosperity, while critics question its fairness and relevance in today’s multipolar world. Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025 In this loss of stability, the two sisters work to dissolve their despair and bond over their divergent paths toward healing. Holly Jones, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025 Averaging student enrollment counts over several years to establish funding levels has existed for years to provide stability for students in districts with declining enrollment. Bret Miles, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 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 20 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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