relatively stable

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively stable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is not completely stable, but generally stable in comparison to other things. For example, "The economic situation in the country was relatively stable compared to other nations in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Well, relatively stable".

The Guardian

But foreign direct investment is relatively stable.

The Economist

The north and west are relatively stable.

The Economist

They may have relatively stable cash flows.

The New York Times

Most of Iraq is relatively stable.

The New York Times

So far, everything appears relatively stable.

The New York Times

It is relatively stable and socially dynamic.

The New York Times

The state's housing market is relatively stable.

The Economist

Compared with these assets, aluminium has remained relatively stable.

The Guardian - Business

Much of Iraq is relatively stable, they say.

The New York Times

Despite some fluctuations, the front lines have remained relatively stable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or changes over time, use "relatively stable" to show that there haven't been significant fluctuations or shifts.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively stable" when you're describing something that is inherently and absolutely stable. The term implies a comparison, so ensure there's a reference point for the relative aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively stable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a state of moderate consistency or a lack of significant fluctuation. Ludwig AI confirms this, noting its proper usage in describing something that is generally stable in comparison to other things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively stable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that denotes a state of moderate consistency or steadiness, particularly when compared to other entities or prior conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for describing something generally stable in relation to others. Its usage spans across various domains, including news, science, and business, with a neutral register that makes it appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. While the phrase enjoys wide acceptance, ensure that you employ it in contexts where comparison is implied, avoiding overuse in situations where absolute stability is meant. Consider alternatives like "comparatively steady" or "moderately consistent" to fine-tune your expression based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively consistent

Mirrors the original phrase but with a slightly different emphasis on consistency.

comparatively steady

Emphasizes the comparison of steadiness rather than stability.

moderately consistent

Focuses on the consistency aspect, implying a limited degree of variation.

reasonably constant

Highlights the unchanging nature, suggesting a state close to permanence.

fairly uniform

Indicates a lack of significant differences or variations.

somewhat balanced

Suggests equilibrium, which may not always imply stability over time.

largely unchanged

Focuses on the absence of change rather than the inherent stability.

generally consistent

Indicates consistency with occasional deviations.

mostly even

Emphasizes the smoothness and lack of major fluctuations.

practically invariant

Suggests a very high degree of constancy, approaching immutability.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively stable" in a sentence?

You can use "relatively stable" to describe something that isn't perfectly constant but maintains a consistent state compared to alternatives. For example, "The patient's condition remained "relatively stable" after the treatment".

What phrases are similar to "relatively stable"?

Alternatives include "comparatively steady", "moderately consistent", or "reasonably constant". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "relatively stable" grammatically correct?

Yes, "relatively stable" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and its capacity to describe something generally stable when compared to other items.

What does "relatively stable" imply?

It implies that something is more consistent or unchanging than other comparable entities or previous conditions. It suggests a moderate level of consistency without being perfectly static.