Steady vs The system's stable

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Steady

Top 1,000 (very common)B2adjective

The system's stable

Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Steady
 SteadyThe system's stable
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈstedi/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈstedi/"]/🇬🇧 //ðə ˈsɪstəmz ˈsteɪbəl//🇺🇸 //ðə ˈsɪstəmz ˈsteɪbəl//
MeaningNot changing; stable.The system is working without problems.
ExampleShe has a steady job that provides her with financial security.After the update, the system's stable now.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechadjective
Collocationsbe, seem, become, remarkably, very, fairly, be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, verysystem stability, remain stable, ensure stability, stable environment, stable operations
Antonymsunstable, fluctuating, irregular-
Common mistakesConfused with 'steady' vs 'stedy' - 'steady' is the correct spelling., Using 'steady' in contexts that require a more dynamic word, like 'active' or 'exciting'., Mixing up 'steady' with 'steady on' - the latter is used primarily as a command.'Stable' confused with 'staple' (meaning basic or essential)., Incorrectly using 'stably' in place of 'stable' in sentences., Using 'stable' to describe changes that are actually volatile.
Usage notesUse 'steady' to describe something that is consistent or reliable. It’s appropriate in both casual conversations and professional contexts, but avoid using it in overly emotional situations.Use 'stable' when discussing technology or systems that are reliable. Avoid in casual conversations.

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Steady
The system's stable

Frequently asked questions: Steady vs The system's stable

What's the difference between Steady and The system's stable?

Steady: Not changing; stable. The system's stable: The system is working without problems.

Which is more common: Steady and The system's stable?

Steady is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Steady: She has a steady job that provides her with financial security. The system's stable: After the update, the system's stable now.

Can I use Steady and The system's stable interchangeably?

Not always. Steady and The system's stable are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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