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stable
/ˈsteɪ.bəl/
steady and not likely to change
The company's profits remained stable throughout the year.
The company's profits did not fluctuate significantly during the year.
general
Firmly fixed or not likely to move or change.
The ladder felt stable against the wall.
The ladder did not wobble or shift when leaned against the wall.
She has a stable personality.
She does not experience frequent emotional changes.
Commonly used to describe physical objects, emotions, or situations that are not prone to sudden changes.
general
A building where horses are kept, fed, and cared for.
He works at the stables near the village.
He is employed at the facility where horses are housed.
Often used in rural or equestrian contexts.
general
To keep something steady or in balance.
The pilot struggled to stable the plane during the storm.
The pilot worked hard to keep the aircraft steady and under control.
Less common than the adjective/noun forms; often used in technical or aviation contexts.
Collocations
stable relationshipa romantic or personal connection that is consistent and reliablestable economyan economy that is not prone to sudden downturns or volatilitystable joba position of employment with little risk of terminationemotionally stablehaving a balanced and consistent emotional statestable platforma firm or unchanging base for support
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'staple'
'Stable' and 'staple' are often confused in writing. Remember: 'stable' relates to steadiness (like a horse stable), while 'staple' refers to a basic item or fastener (e.g., 'rice is a staple food').
Gold Rule
Physical vs. Metaphorical Use
Use 'stable' for physical steadiness (e.g., 'a stable chair') and metaphorical steadiness (e.g., 'a stable mood'). Avoid using it for emotional warmth or positivity.
Word Origin
From Old French 'estable' (stable, stall), derived from Latin 'stabulum' (a standing place, stall for animals), from 'stare' (to stand). The noun sense referring to a building for horses dates back to the 13th century, while the adjective sense emerged in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
As an adjective, 'stable' often describes conditions, emotions, or structures that are resistant to change. In financial contexts, it may imply predictability rather than growth. The noun form is typically pluralized as 'stables' when referring to multiple buildings.
Word Breakdown
st-
from Latin 'stare' (to stand)
root-able
capable of being
suffixEnglish Dictionary