stainless
gb/stˈeɪnləs/ us/stˈeɪnləs/
A2
English
~ 4000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Not marked by stains or rust
Not changing color or getting marks, especially for metal that does not rust.
Usage pattern:
[something] is stainless
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'stainless' with 'clean', but 'stainless' refers to the property of resisting stains, not the current state of cleanliness.
Synonyms
rustproof (Emphasizes resistance to rust rather than general staining.)
|
spotless (Focuses on complete cleanliness, not material property.)
Antonyms
rusty (Describes metal that has oxidized and deteriorated.)
|
stained (Describes something marked or discolored.)
Collocations
stainless steel
|stainless surface
|stainless blade
|stainless cookware
Themes
materials
|manufacturing
|daily life
|daily_life
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The kitchen sink is made of stainless steel.
- These knives have stainless blades that last for years.
- She bought a set of stainless pots for her new apartment.
- The railing is stainless, so it can be used outdoors without worry.
- Stainless materials are popular in modern appliances.
Learner examples
- This spoon is stainless.
- The pan is stainless steel.
- I use a stainless knife.
- The table has a stainless top.
- My watch is stainless.
adjective
literary
B2
property
2
Morally perfect or untainted
Having no bad actions or bad reputation; morally perfect.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is stainless
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this meaning in everyday conversation, where simpler words like 'good' or 'honest' are more natural.
Synonyms
blameless (Focuses on being free from blame.)
|
pure (Broader term for moral or physical purity.)
Antonyms
dishonorable (Lacking moral integrity or honor.)
|
corrupt (Morally compromised or dishonest.)
Collocations
stainless reputation
|stainless honor
|stainless character
Themes
morality
|literature
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He was remembered as a leader of stainless character.
- Her stainless reputation was admired by all who knew her.
- The knight was praised for his stainless honor.
- In the story, the hero remains stainless despite many temptations.
- They spoke of her as a stainless example for the community.
Learner examples
- He has a stainless name in the town.
- The king was stainless in all his actions.
- She is known for her stainless life.
- The hero stayed stainless in the story.
- People respect his stainless honor.
Grammar
Dictionary form
stainless
IPA
GB/stˈeɪnləs/
US/stˈeɪnləs/
Syllables & stress
stain - less (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (stain)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: stainless
Word family
Core family
stain
noun A2
Related words
stained
adjective
Expressions
stainless steel
1/stˈeɪnləs stˈil/
fixed phrase
Rust-resistant steel alloy
A type of strong metal that does not easily rust or stain.
Examples
- The kitchen counters are made from stainless steel.
- Stainless steel appliances are easy to clean.