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Definition of steady adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

steady

adjective
 
 
/ˈstedi/
 
/ˈstedi/
(comparative steadier, superlative steadiest)
Idioms
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  1.  
     developing, growing, etc. gradually and in an even and regular way synonym constant
    • We've had five years of steady economic growth.
    • The last decade has seen a steady decline in the number of birds nesting here.
    • There has been a gradual but steady increase in prices.
    • We are making slow but steady progress.
    • The castle receives a steady stream of visitors.
    • There seemed to be a steady flow of customers all day.
    Topics Moneyb2
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • seem
    • become
    • …
    adverb
    • remarkably
    • very
    • fairly
    • …
    See full entry
  2.  
     not changing and not interrupted synonym regular
    • His breathing was steady.
    • a steady job/income
    • She drove at a steady 50 mph.
    • They set off at a steady pace.
    • a steady boyfriend/girlfriend (= with whom you have a serious relationship or one that has lasted a long time)
    • to have a steady relationship
    Extra Examples
    • They wanted me to get a steady job.
    • The new position would provide him with a steady income.
    • She's got a steady boyfriend.
    • Profits before tax remained steady at £91m.
    Topics Jobsb2
  3.  
     fixed in a place or position, supported or balanced; controlled and not shaking or likely to fall down
    • He held the boat steady as she got in.
    • I met his steady gaze.
    • Such fine work requires a good eye and a steady hand.
    • She’s not very steady on her feet these days.
    opposite unsteady
    Extra Examples
    • Hold the ladder steady!
    • She opened the letter with hands that were not quite steady.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • feel
    • look
    • …
    adverb
    • extremely
    • fairly
    • very
    • …
    See full entry
  4. (of a person) sensible; who can be relied on
    5. Word OriginMiddle English (in the sense ‘unwavering, without deviation’): from stead + -y. The verb dates from the mid 16th cent.
See steady in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee steady in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
Check pronunciation: steady

Nearby words

dizzy
adjective
 
 
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