more or less stable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more or less stable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is generally stable, but may have some fluctuations or variations. Example: "The project's budget is more or less stable, despite some unexpected expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Georgia is more or less stable.

The Economist

Mutual dependency of the two groups creates a more or less stable symmetry.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Once it has been bottled, whisky should remain more or less stable).

The New Yorker

"I can only say that we are now more or less stable".

The New York Times

The Mexican death toll, he said, was "more or less stable".

The New York Times

Bönisch, C. & Hake, S. B. Histone H2A variants in nucleosomes and chromatin: more or less stable?

Nature

We found three distinct phases during which the network composition is more or less stable.

Research Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Organic chemists had to start with the design and construction of more-or-less stable open-shell organic molecules.

Polyhedron

In a best case, the Taliban will forge a reconciliation pact with a more-or-less stable central government.

The Economist

All are on The List, a PR mechanism identifying reliable freelancers with a "more-or-less stable ratio of coverage to freeloading" to oil the wheels of hype.

The Guardian - Books

It's still missing a few features that are in the Windows version (like support for extensions), but the browser is lickety-split and more-or-less stable.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more or less stable" to describe situations where something is generally consistent but not perfectly static. This conveys a nuanced understanding of the subject's condition.

Common error

Avoid using "more or less stable" when describing something that is undergoing significant change. The phrase implies a degree of consistency that may not be accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more or less stable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of approximate stability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. It suggests a condition that is generally steady but may have minor fluctuations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more or less stable" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for indicating a state of approximate stability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While not suggesting absolute constancy, it communicates a general consistency that is subject to minor fluctuations. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, it maintains a neutral register making it suitable for varied communication needs. For situations requiring a precise description, consider using alternatives like "relatively constant", or "largely unchanged".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively constant

Emphasizes the lack of significant change over time.

largely unchanged

Highlights the absence of major alterations.

generally consistent

Focuses on the uniformity and predictability of the subject.

mostly steady

Suggests a lack of significant movement or variation.

fairly balanced

Indicates a state where opposing forces are in equilibrium.

reasonably secure

Highlights the state of safety and stability.

moderately firm

Highlights the resistance to change or disturbance.

somewhat invariable

Stresses the lack of variation or deviation.

approximatively immutable

Indicates a condition close to an impossibility to be changed.

not prone to fluctuation

Highlights the subject's resistance to changes.

FAQs

How can I use "more or less stable" in a sentence?

You can use "more or less stable" to describe a condition that is generally consistent but may have some minor fluctuations. For example: "The patient's condition is "more or less stable", but requires ongoing monitoring."

What are some alternatives to "more or less stable"?

Alternatives include "relatively constant", "largely unchanged", or "generally consistent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "more or less stable" and "completely stable"?

"More or less stable" implies minor fluctuations or variations, while "completely stable" suggests a state of absolute consistency without any changes.

When is it appropriate to use "more or less stable"?

Use "more or less stable" when describing a situation or condition that is generally consistent over time but may experience some minor or temporary changes. It's useful when complete stability is not guaranteed or observed.