adj
Uncommon
stainless
Stainless (adj) means describing a metal alloy that resists rust and corrosion. Example: “The kitchen was fitted with stainless steel appliances.”
adj
1
Describing a metal alloy that resists rust and corrosion.
"The kitchen was fitted with stainless steel appliances."
"He bought a stainless water bottle because it never rusts, even after years of use."
"The sink is stainless, so it still looks new after all this time."
"Lead is used as part of the tumbler’s vacuum insulation and is covered by a stainless steel layer that protects consumers from lead exposure, according to the Stanley cup manufacturer, Pacific Market International."
— Madeline Holcombe and Sandee LaMotte, Stanley and other drink cups contain lead. Should you be worried? (2024)
2
Free of blemish or moral fault (a more literary use).
"They remembered her as a stainless character, above reproach."
"The headteacher's stainless reputation made parents trust her decisions completely."
"Few people can claim a truly stainless past, free of any regret."
How to use stainless
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRust-resistant (of metal), or spotless/morally pure in older or figurative use.
Common pairings
stainless steel
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The kitchen was fitted with _____ steel appliances.
Etymology
Formed from stain plus the suffix -less, meaning "without."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for stainless
See all rhymes for 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.
