steadiness
/ˈstedinəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstedinəs/ (ame, ipa) · /-dēnə̇s -din-/ (ame, mw)
steadiness — noun
1. a condition that stays fairly even and does not shift sharply, whether in prices
a condition that stays fairly even and does not shift sharply, whether in prices, policy, mood, or another situation.
Investors watched the market's steadiness after last month's sharp currency drop.
the steadiness of [system/state]
The mayor promised steadiness in school funding despite the change of government.
After years of moving, Nala valued the steadiness of one permanent home.
Doctors were encouraged by the patient's emotional steadiness during a difficult week.
- stability
the closest broad synonym; especially common for systems, governments, and markets
- consistency
emphasises repeated sameness in performance more than general state
- constancy
slightly more formal and often used for feelings or support over time
- instability
the direct opposite; frequent or sudden change
- volatility
especially common for prices, markets, or moods that swing sharply
文法句型
the steadiness of [system/state]
maintain steadiness in [area]
用法筆記
Common with nouns for systems, prices, governments, and moods. Use this sense for a state that stays even over time, not for physical balance or calmness in a single stressful moment.
常見錯誤
2. the quality of staying firm in place without wobbling, shaking, or slipping out
the quality of staying firm in place without wobbling, shaking, or slipping out of position.
The camera mount's steadiness kept the night-sky photos sharp and clear.
steadiness of equipment
Sari checked the ladder's steadiness before climbing up to clean the windows.
Workers tested the bridge's steadiness by driving loaded trucks across it.
A wide base gives the stool enough steadiness on uneven ground.
- shakiness
the most direct opposite for something that wobbles
- instability
broader opposite, especially for unsafe structures
文法句型
the steadiness of [object]
[object]'s steadiness
用法筆記
Used for objects, structures, and sometimes body parts that remain firm in place. Distinguish from sense 3, which is about a person's ability to keep balance while standing or moving.
常見錯誤
3. the ability to keep your body upright and avoid falling while standing, walking,
the ability to keep your body upright and avoid falling while standing, walking, or moving.
After the ear infection, Otis lost his steadiness on the stairs.
lose steadiness
Yoga practice improved Paloma's steadiness when she stood on one leg.
The icy path challenged Christopher's steadiness as he carried groceries home.
A walking stick gave the old farmer more steadiness over the rocky field.
- balance
the closest everyday synonym; especially common in health and sports
- sure-footedness
more specific to walking safely on difficult ground
- coordination
broader; includes smooth control of movement, not just staying upright
- unsteadiness
direct opposite; trouble staying upright
- imbalance
often used in health contexts for loss of physical balance
文法句型
lose [someone's] steadiness
improve [someone's] steadiness
用法筆記
Usually refers to a person's body when walking, standing, or recovering from illness. Distinguish from sense 2, which describes the firmness of an object itself rather than a person's balance.
常見錯誤
4. the quality of moving, growing, or improving at an even rate without sudden burs
the quality of moving, growing, or improving at an even rate without sudden bursts, drops, or stops.
The class showed steady progress, and its steadiness impressed the new teacher.
steadiness of progress
Yael liked the steadiness of the bakery's sales through the winter months.
The steadiness of the seedlings' growth surprised the farmers after the cold spring.
A steadiness in practice helped Sayaka master the cello piece by spring.
- regularity
focuses on something happening evenly or on schedule
- consistency
works well for repeated quality or performance
- evenness
emphasises the lack of jumps or uneven changes
- fluctuation
repeated rises and falls instead of an even pace
- unevenness
lack of regular development or movement
文法句型
the steadiness of [growth/progress]
steadiness in [practice/work]
用法筆記
Often appears with nouns like growth, sales, progress, pace, and practice. The focus is regular development or movement, not the broader stability of a whole system.
常見錯誤
5. the quality of being sensible and dependable, so that people trust your judgment
the quality of being sensible and dependable, so that people trust your judgment and expect responsible behaviour from you.
The committee chose Mert because his steadiness kept arguments from turning foolish.
steadiness in decision-making
Beatrix earned her manager's trust through the steadiness of her decisions.
steadiness of judgment
Parents appreciated the coach's steadiness when the team lost an important match.
In a crisis, the hospital needs leaders with steadiness and good judgment.
- reliability
broader and more common, but less focused on sound judgment
- dependability
very close; stresses that others can count on the person
- level-headedness
adds the idea of sensible thinking in difficult situations
- rashness
acting too quickly and without enough thought
- unreliability
lack of dependable behaviour or judgment
文法句型
steadiness of judgment
show steadiness in [leadership/decision-making]
用法筆記
Describes character and judgment over time, especially in leadership or decision-making. Distinguish from sense 6, which is about calm control during immediate pressure rather than dependable judgment as a trait.
常見錯誤
6. the quality of staying calm and controlled, especially when something painful, d
the quality of staying calm and controlled, especially when something painful, difficult, or frightening is happening.
Rachel's steadiness calmed the children when the train stopped in a tunnel.
steadiness under pressure
Elise spoke with steadiness even after hearing the emergency alarm.
speak with steadiness
The nurse admired Gita's steadiness while the stitches were being removed.
A sudden power cut tested the pilot's steadiness during the landing.
- calmness
broad everyday word for not being upset
- composure
slightly more formal; controlled calm in difficult situations
- self-control
stresses managing feelings and reactions deliberately
文法句型
speak with steadiness
steadiness under pressure
用法筆記
Often shown in emergencies, pain, competition, or public speaking. This sense is about calm control in the moment, not long-term dependability like sense 5.