stainless
stainless — adjective
1. used to describe a material, especially a type of steel, that resists rust and k
used to describe a material, especially a type of steel, that resists rust and keeps its original colour when exposed to air or water; also describes a surface that is completely clean and free of marks.
The stainless steel kitchen counter stayed bright after years of daily use.
attributive use: stainless steel [material]
Gabriel wiped the stainless pot with a cloth, and it looked as good as new.
This brand of stainless cookware does not rust, even in a damp cabinet.
The glass tabletop stayed stainless after the party, with no fingerprints on it.
Liam chose stainless kitchen tools because they stay clean longer than wooden ones.
- rustproof
only about corrosion, not about general stains or marks
- spotless
focuses on being perfectly clean rather than resistant to damage
- untarnished
usually describes metals whose shine has not faded; also used figuratively
文法句型
stainless + noun (e.g. stainless steel, stainless surface)
be + stainless
用法筆記
Most frequently used to describe stainless steel, a common alloy in kitchen tools and building materials. When used predicatively about non-metal surfaces, it simply means 'free of marks.'
常見錯誤
2. having a moral character that cannot be criticized; used to describe a person wh
having a moral character that cannot be criticized; used to describe a person who has done nothing wrong or shameful, especially over a long period.
The judge had a stainless reputation after forty years of honest service.
collocation: stainless reputation
The charity's leader was known for her stainless character and fair decisions.
collocation: stainless character
Citizens looked up to the senator for his stainless record on human rights.
Felipe's ethical choices in business gave him a stainless name among his peers.
The teacher's stainless conduct earned the trust of parents and students alike.
- blameless
emphasises that no fault can be found; similar in formality
- irreproachable
more formal, used in official or legal contexts
- spotless
slightly less formal, common in everyday language about records and reputations
文法句型
stainless + noun (e.g. stainless reputation, stainless character)
be + stainless
用法筆記
Used in formal or literary contexts to describe moral character or public reputation. The closest everyday synonym is 'spotless' (e.g. 'a spotless record'). Less common in conversation than in written praise or official descriptions.
常見錯誤
stainless — noun
1. knives, forks, spoons, plates, and other eating items that are made from stainle
knives, forks, spoons, plates, and other eating items that are made from stainless steel.
We bought a new set of stainless for the family dinners on weekends.
uncountable noun: set of stainless
The restaurant serves all its meals on polished stainless.
Ingrid stacked the stainless neatly in the drawer after washing each piece.
The wedding gift was a box of high-quality stainless for eight people.
Tanvi prefers stainless over plastic plates for everyday family meals.
- flatware
common in American English for forks, spoons, and knives
- cutlery
common in British English, also includes knives specifically
- silverware
originally meant silver items, but now often used for stainless tableware in casual speech
文法句型
set of + stainless
on + stainless
polished + stainless
用法筆記
Uncountable noun, so it has no plural form ('stainlesses' is incorrect). Used mainly in commercial, hospitality, or household contexts to refer to eating utensils collectively. More common in American English than British English, where 'cutlery' or 'flatware' may be preferred.