[syn: constancy, stability]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Stability \Sta*bil"i*ty\ (st[.a]*b[i^]l"[i^]*t[y^]), n. [L.
stabilitas; cf. F. stabilit['e]. See Stable, a.]
1. The state or quality of being stable, or firm; steadiness;
stableness; firmness; strength to stand without being
moved or overthrown; as, the stability of a structure; the
stability of a throne or a constitution.
[1913 Webster]
2. Steadiness or firmness of character; firmness of
resolution or purpose; the quality opposite to
fickleness, irresolution, or inconstancy; constancy;
steadfastness; as, a man of little stability, or of
unusual stability.
[1913 Webster]
3. Fixedness; -- as opposed to fluidity.
[1913 Webster]
Since fluidness and stability are contrary
qualities. --Boyle.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Steadiness; stableness; constancy; immovability;
firmness.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
stability
n 1: the quality or attribute of being firm and steadfast [syn:
stability, stableness] [ant: instability,
unstableness]
2: a stable order (especially of society) [ant: instability]
3: the quality of being enduring and free from change or
variation; "early mariners relied on the constancy of the
trade winds" [syn: constancy, stability] [ant:
changefulness, inconstancy]