stainless
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for stainless, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Describing a metal alloy that resists rust and corrosion.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Describing a metal alloy that resists rust and corrosion.
“The kitchen was fitted with stainless steel appliances.”
How to use stainless
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stainless steel
Etymology
Formed from stain plus the suffix -less, meaning "without."
Full origin of stainless →Frequently asked questions
What does “stainless” mean?
The word “stainless” means describing a metal alloy that resists rust and corrosion. In plain terms, rust-resistant (of metal), or spotless/morally pure in older or figurative use.
How do you use “stainless” in a sentence?
Here is “stainless” used in a sentence: “The kitchen was fitted with stainless steel appliances.”
What part of speech is “stainless”?
“Stainless” is an adjective.
Is “stainless” a common word?
“Stainless” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stainless” have?
“Stainless” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: describing a metal alloy that resists rust and corrosion.
What is the difference between stainless and stained?
Stainless means resistant to stains or corrosion, most commonly describing steel that resists rust, while stained means already marked or discoloured. The two words are near opposites despite sharing a root.
Why is stainless steel called stainless?
It is called stainless because the alloy resists rust and corrosion far better than ordinary steel, keeping its surface clean-looking under normal use. The name reflects that practical resistance rather than any special shine.
Is stainless ever used to describe a person's character?
Yes, in more literary or formal writing stainless can describe someone or something free of blemish or moral fault, such as a "stainless reputation." This figurative use is less common than the everyday metal sense.
