instability
noun
in·sta·bil·i·ty
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially
: lack of emotional or mental stability
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
McCaskill said her priorities are addressing high property taxes and housing instability in the Southland.
—
Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Over time, your nervous system senses instability and responds by creating protective tension, further limiting movement and increasing pain as a warning signal.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
Hyper Burst foam delivers a smooth, highly responsive ride without the instability common in many modern foams, and has been the best part of Skechers’ performance running shoes over the last decade.
—Cory Smith, Outside, 15 Feb. 2026
In times of economic and political instability, gold is typically seen as a safe-haven asset.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
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Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Over time, your nervous system senses instability and responds by creating protective tension, further limiting movement and increasing pain as a warning signal.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
Hyper Burst foam delivers a smooth, highly responsive ride without the instability common in many modern foams, and has been the best part of Skechers’ performance running shoes over the last decade.
—Cory Smith, Outside, 15 Feb. 2026
In times of economic and political instability, gold is typically seen as a safe-haven asset.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instability
noun
in·sta·bil·i·ty
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē
: the quality or state of being unstable
Medical Definition
instability
noun
in·sta·bil·i·ty
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural instabilities
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially
: lack of emotional or mental stability
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