steady

/ˈstɛdi/
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Firm, regular, calm, or dependable without sudden unwanted change.

Examples

  • She finally found a steady job.
  • His freelance income is not always steady.
  • He gave me a long, steady look.
  • How did you stay so steady under pressure?
  • Her hand stayed steady during the delicate repair.

Similar words

committed
balance
secure
constant
lasting
calm
settle
controlled
firm
continuous

Meanings

Firm and unmoving

adjective
everyday
neutral
Firm in position and not shaking, slipping, or moving unexpectedly.

Examples

  • Hold the ladder steady while I climb.
  • Her hand stayed steady during the delicate repair.
  • Is the table steady on that floor?
  • The camera was not steady in the wind.
  • He planted his feet in a steady position.

Similar words

Regular and continuous

adjective
everyday
neutral
Continuing at a regular, even rate without sudden stops or large changes.

Examples

  • Sales showed steady growth throughout the year.
  • A steady rain fell until midnight.
  • We walked at a steady pace.
  • Has the patient made steady progress?
  • The signal was not steady enough to measure.

Similar words

Calm and controlled

adjective
behavior
neutral
Calm and controlled in voice, movement, feeling, or attention.

Examples

  • Her voice remained steady during the emergency.
  • He gave me a long, steady look.
  • Take a breath and keep your nerves steady.
  • She was not steady enough to speak yet.
  • How did you stay so steady under pressure?

Similar words

Dependable and continuing

adjective
work
neutral
Reliable and likely to continue, especially for work, income, customers, or a relationship.

Examples

  • She finally found a steady job.
  • The shop has a steady stream of customers.
  • They have been in a steady relationship for two years.
  • His freelance income is not always steady.
  • Can this contract provide steady work?

Similar words

Make or become stable

verb
everyday
neutral
To stop something from shaking or changing sharply, or to become stable or calm.

Examples

  • She steadied the tray with both hands.
  • The boat slowly steadied after the wave passed.
  • He paused to steady his breathing.
  • Could you steady the chair for me?
  • Prices have not steadied since the sudden fall.

Similar words

Etymology

Formed in the 1520s from stead, an old word for a place or fixed position, plus -y. The verb appeared in the same period.

FAQ

What does steady mean?

Steady describes something firm, regular, calm, or dependable, and as a verb it means to make or become stable.

What is the opposite of steady?

The opposite depends on the sense. Common choices include unsteady, erratic, agitated, and unstable.

What is the difference between steady and stable?

Both can mean unlikely to change, but steady often stresses regular movement or progress while stable stresses resistance to disruption.

What are the forms of steady?

The main forms are steadier, steadiest, steadied, and steadying.

What does go steady mean?

Go steady is an informal expression meaning to have an exclusive romantic relationship for a period of time.

How is steady pronounced?

In General American English, steady is pronounced /ˈstɛdi/.

Where does steady come from?

Steady was formed from stead, meaning a place or fixed position, and the ending -y.

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