Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality of being steady, regular, and unvarying: Refers to a state of consistency, reliability, and lack of fluctuation in movement, action, or condition.
   • The quality of being steady or securely and immovably fixed in place: Refers to physical stability, firmness, or the state of being not easily moved or shaken.
   • Freedom from wavering or indecision; constancy of resolve or conduct: Refers to mental or emotional stability, resoluteness, and unwavering commitment in purpose or behavior.

Usage Examples

• Referring to regularity and lack of variation:
  • The steadiness of the engine's hum indicated it was running perfectly.
  • Her performance is remarkable for its steadiness and lack of errors.
• Referring to physical stability:
  • The carpenter checked the steadiness of the table before placing the vase on it.
  • The steadiness of the old bridge was a concern for the engineers.
• Referring to resoluteness of character:
  • He admired her steadiness in the face of criticism.
  • The team's success was built on the steadiness of its leader's decisions.

Advanced Usage

• "To test the steadiness of": To examine or evaluate the stability or consistency of something.
  • The experiment was designed to test the steadiness of the chemical reaction over time.
• "A pillar of steadiness": A metaphorical phrase describing a person who provides unwavering support and stability.
  • During the crisis, she was a pillar of steadiness for her family.

Variants and Related Words

• Steady (adjective): Firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking or moving. Regular and even in progress, character, or frequency.
  • He held the ladder steady.
  • She found a steady job.
• Steadily (adverb): In a steady manner; gradually and progressively.
  • The company's profits have grown steadily.
• Unsteadiness (noun): The opposite quality; the state of being not firm, stable, or regular.
  • The unsteadiness of his hand made writing difficult.

Synonyms

• Stability: The state of being stable; resistance to change, deterioration, or displacement.
• Firmness: The quality of being solid, steadfast, or resolute.
• Constancy: The quality of being enduring, unchanging, and faithful.
• Reliability: The quality of being trustworthy and performing consistently well.

Antonyms

• Instability: Lack of stability; the tendency to change or fail.
• Unsteadiness: The quality of being not steady; shakiness or inconsistency.
• Inconstancy: The quality of being frequently changing, especially in loyalties or affections.
• Fluctuation: An irregular rising and falling in number or amount; variation.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Steady as a rock": Extremely steady, stable, and reliable.
  • Even when everyone else was panicking, he remained steady as a rock.
• "To go steady" (informal, dated): To date one person exclusively.
  • They decided to go steady after their third date. (Note: This idiom uses the related adjective "steady," not the noun "steadiness" directly.)

Noun

1. the quality of being steady--regular and unvarying
2. the quality of being steady or securely and immovably fixed in place
3. freedom from wavering or indecision; constancy of resolve or conduct
   • He trusted her clear steadiness that she would do what she said