B2adjective2K

Stable

UK /["/ˈsteɪbl/"]/US /["/ˈsteɪbl/"]/

Definition

fixed or steady; not likely to move, change or fail

In simple words: Not changing a lot; steady.

Examples

  • The bridge is stable and can handle heavy traffic.
  • After the medication, her mood became much more stable.
  • He was looking for a stable job after years of freelancing.
  • The stock market is experiencing stable growth this quarter.
  • The horse was kept in a stable environment for health reasons.
  • Before making changes, we need to ensure the systems are stable.
  • Her stable of cars includes a luxury sedan and a vintage convertible.
  • Maintaining a stable internet connection is crucial for remote work.

Usage notes

Use 'stable' when describing things that are not likely to change suddenly, such as emotions, situations, or physical conditions. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a stable table; it doesn't wobble or change.

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • steady

Antonyms

  • unstable
  • volatile
  • insecure

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'stabile', which is not a standard English word.
  • Used incorrectly as a verb when it's an adjective.
  • Misused as a noun when referring to a place where horses are kept.