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.
But the best leaders understand that people execute better when they are not constantly distracted by avoidable instability. — Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 What starts as a short-term crisis can follow tenants for years and turn into chronic housing instability. — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026 Sim Tshabalala, chief executive of Standard Bank Group, linked the instability to institutional failures, warning that xenophobia is an economic and geopolitical liability. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 10 July 2026 We are further grieved by continuing violence and instability in the Middle East, including the recent conflict involving Iran and its widening humanitarian consequences. — Killingly-Brooklyn Interfaith Council, Hartford Courant, 9 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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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 12 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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