steady state

noun

: a state or condition of a system or process (such as one of the energy states of an atom) that does not change in time

broadly : a condition that changes only negligibly over a specified time

steady-state

ˈste-dē-ˈstāt 

adjective

Examples of steady state in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With this steady state of flux as a background, Google moved its Gemini app unit under its DeepMind research lab in mid-October. —Tor Constantino, Mba, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

To Miller, that’s proved something of a surprise, since in the 20 days or so following the presidential debate, the race had seemingly entered a steady state where Harris consistently held the lead. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2024

What if managing change is not about returning to a steady state but about thriving in constant flux? —Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

Having said that, audit and tax will remain a steady state niche market for which schools need to produce students. —Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

steady state

noun

: a state or condition of a system or process that does not change or changes only slightly over time

on the average a living cell maintains a steady state

Medical Definition

steady state

noun

1

: a state or condition of a system or process (as one of the energy states of an atom) that does not change in time

2

: a state of physiological equilibrium especially in connection with a specified metabolic relation or activity