Stability

Definition

Stability generally refers to the quality of being stable, unchanging, or steady.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /stəˈbɪlɪti/
• Respelling: stuh-BIL-i-tee (with "stuh" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "supply," "BIL" as in "bill," "i" as in "sit," and "tee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /stəˈbɪlɪti/
• Respelling: stuh-BIL-i-tee (similar to American English, with "stuh" as in "supply," "BIL" like in "bill," "i" as in "sit," and "tee" as in "see")

In both dialects, "stability" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "BIL." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, clearly reflecting the word's structure and emphasis.

Etymology

The term "stability" originates from the Latin word "stabilitas," derived from "stabilis" which means stable. It entered Old French as "stabilité" and later made its way into Middle English as "stabilite."

Derivatives

• Stabilization
• Stabilizer
• Stabilize
• Stabilized
• Unstabilized

Synonyms

• Steadiness
• Firmness
• Constancy

Antonyms

• Instability
• Unsteadiness
• Variability

Usage

The word "stability" is commonly used in various fields such as economics, engineering, and physics to describe a state or quality of being stable, unchanging, or resistant to change. It also finds application in everyday language to describe personal, social, or political steadiness or balance.

Related Terms

• Balance
• Equilibrium
• Resilience

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Unchanging State: The quality, state, or degree of being stable, steady, or unchanging.
• Example: "The stability of the economic system is crucial for investor confidence."

• Resistance to Change: The ability to remain unchanged or to return to an equilibrium state when subjected to disturbances.
• Example: "The building's stability was tested under various weather conditions."

• Balance: An emotionally balanced state; calmness and self-control.
• Example: "After a turbulent phase in his life, he finally achieved a sense of stability."