instability

noun

in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce instability (audio)
Synonyms of instabilitynext
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially : lack of emotional or mental stability

Synonyms of instability

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Examples of instability in a Sentence

Investors are worried about the current instability of the stock market. The patient has a history of emotional instability.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This was her fourth bid for the position following years of political instability in the country. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 And what is replacing it is something far more ambiguous—a geometry of genuine progress and radical instability that Luce’s framework cannot contain. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 June 2026 The experiments revealed which combinations of damage, flight conditions, and flight maneuvers were most likely to lead to instability. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026 But meteorologists caution that any storms that do develop could intensify quickly during the afternoon and evening hours, when instability is highest. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for instability

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instability was in the 15th century

Rhymes for instability

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Cite this Entry

“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

instability

noun
in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce instability (audio)
: the quality or state of being unstable

Medical Definition

instability

noun
in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce instability (audio)
plural instabilities
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially : lack of emotional or mental stability

More from Merriam-Webster on instability

Nglish: Translation of instability for Spanish Speakers

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