instability

noun

in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce instability (audio)
: 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
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.
Advertisement Strikes reinforce Chinese view of U.S. instability China already saw the U.S. under the Trump Administration as an unstable partner, particularly after Trump slammed the world with staggering tariff rates before abruptly reversing course. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 27 June 2025 Yet the aftershocks of 2008 continue, and today’s economic pressures—rising costs, stagnant wages, global instability—are forcing a reckoning. Benjamin Van Der Lande, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Any signs of instability or elite fragmentation during succession will be closely watched by allies and adversaries alike. Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025 The Trump administration on Tuesday urged the U.S. Supreme Court to authorize the deportation of several immigrants to South Sudan, a nation plagued by conflict and instability, despite the migrants having no personal or familial connections to the country. Dan Gooding gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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