The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word METASTABLE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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The straight part
We know that "Fairly resistant to upsetting" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case fairly resistant to upsetting = metastable.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
Crossword Answer definitions
METASTABLE noun- A particle, etc. in the metastable state.
- Of or pertaining to a physical or chemical state that is relatively long-lived, but may decay to a lower energy state when slightly perturbed or through a quantum transition.