stable Definition
- 1not likely to change or fail
- 2firmly established
- 3able to remain upright and not fall over
- 4a building in which horses are kept
Using stable: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "stable" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The economy is finally stable after years of recession.
Example
She has a stable job with a good salary.
Example
The table is stable on the uneven ground.
Example
The horses are kept in the stable.
stable Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using stable
taking action too late to prevent something bad from happening
Example
He installed a security system after his house was burglarized, but it was a case of a stable door after the horse has bolted.
Example
You need to finish your homework before you can watch TV; don't put the cart before the horse.
Example
Hold your horses, we're not ready to start yet.
Phrases with stable
stable condition
a medical condition that is not getting worse or improving
Example
The patient is in stable condition and is expected to recover.
a romantic relationship that is steady and not likely to change
Example
They have been together for five years and have a stable relationship.
a government that is firmly established and not likely to collapse
Example
The country needs a stable government to address its problems.
Origins of stable
from Old French 'estable', from Latin 'stabulum', meaning 'a standing place'
Summary: stable in Brief
The term 'stable' [ˈsteɪbl] refers to something that is not likely to change or fail, such as a steady job or a firm government. It can also mean something that is able to remain upright and not fall over, like a table or a building for horses. Phrases like 'stable condition' and 'stable relationship' denote a state of steadiness, while idioms like 'put the cart before the horse' and 'hold your horses' refer to doing things in the right order and being patient.
