stable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "stable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that is not likely to change or lose its strength, power, or form. Example sentence: The government has worked hard to create a stable economy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Being able to live in a stable home is a basic human need, tied up with important feelings of choice and certainty, and we are living in a world now where only a few can hope for that, which cannot be right".

The Guardian - Business

As a result, Letta's left-right coalition now has a stable majority that includes about 60 of Berlusconi's former supporters.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said Hunter would work with the APY executive to resolve administration problems, and that the South Australian government would "explore all options available to restore stable governance in the APY".

The Guardian

He has not had the same opportunities to develop his athletic prowess as those in wealthier and more stable countries, and now that he has lost everything all he is asking for is a chance to train and achieve his potential.

The Guardian

A party source added: "Every suicide is a tragedy, but the latest available data shows that the rate is now the same as in 2003 and has been relatively stable during successive governments in the intervening period".

The Guardian

While Miliband's personal ratings have recovered slightly from the record lows of previous months, the Labour leader still lags well behind Cameron - and, with the PM's personal numbers stable, there is no sign of this dynamic changing any time soon.

The Guardian

All these have helped and there have been times when the family has been stable and content.

The Guardian

I try and explain to them no one won the election, it was the only way we could form a stable government and of course I'm not a Tory".

The Guardian

There's no way of knowing if your patients are all going to stay stable, or if there is an imminent major disaster with all casualties needing immediate medical assessment and treatment – and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The Guardian

But it seems unfair to say that anyone lucky enough to have a stable and happy background can't achieve success.

The Guardian

With 25 brands in the stable, selling everything from denim to tailoring and sportswear, the sheer variety of Ralph Lauren means it has appeal across consumer groups.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing software, use "stable" to indicate a version that has been thoroughly tested and is unlikely to have significant bugs. For example: "Download the latest stable release for the best experience."

Common error

Avoid using "stable" when you mean "static". "Stable" implies resistance to change over time, while "static" suggests a complete lack of movement or activity at a single point in time. For example, a "stable" economy can still grow or shrink, but it does so predictably, while a "static" object is completely still.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stable" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their quality of being steady, reliable, or unlikely to change. Ludwig AI identifies this function in various contexts, from relationships to governments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stable" functions primarily as an adjective, conveying a sense of reliability and resistance to change across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. It's frequently used in news and media, as well as formal and business settings. When using "stable", consider the nuances that differentiate it from similar words like "steady" or "secure". A key point is to avoid confusing "stable" with "static", as they describe different qualities. The frequency of the term in authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC, underscores its importance in modern English discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steady

Implies a consistent and reliable state, similar to "stable", but can also suggest a lack of significant change.

secure

Focuses on the feeling of safety and lack of threat, which is a related aspect of being "stable".

consistent

Highlights the predictable and reliable nature, closely related to the idea of "stable".

constant

Emphasizes the unchanging nature, which is a key attribute of something "stable".

dependable

Highlights the reliability and trustworthiness of something, which are aspects of being "stable".

established

Suggests something that has been firmly set in place, akin to being "stable" over time.

fixed

Indicates that something is not easily moved or changed, similar to the idea of being "stable".

firm

Implies a solid and unyielding quality, which can contribute to a "stable" foundation.

durable

Focuses on the ability to withstand wear and tear, suggesting long-term "stability".

well-founded

Indicates that something has a solid basis or reason, implying a type of intellectual or structural "stability".

FAQs

How can I use "stable" in a sentence?

You can use "stable" to describe something that is not likely to change or fail. For example, "The country needs a stable government" or "The patient's condition is stable".

What can I say instead of "stable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "steady", "secure", or "consistent".

Which is correct, "stable condition" or "stationary condition"?

"Stable condition" is the correct phrase to use when describing a patient's health that is not worsening. "Stationary condition" is generally not used in this context.

What's the difference between "stable" and "reliable"?

"Stable" implies resistance to unexpected changes or disruptions, whereas "reliable" means that something can be trusted to perform consistently. A "stable" system is predictable, while a "reliable" system is dependable. For example, a government can be "stable", and a car can be "reliable".