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.
Inaccurate data can lead to instability, allowing the plasma to escape its magnetic confinement and potentially cause damage to the machine. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 At a time of uncertainty for the fashion and luxury sectors — still feeling the pinch of economic instability, geopolitical unrest and tariffs — retail is facing disruption and change across geographies. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025 What figures such as Tate, Caz, Maalouf, and others are doing is exploiting civil instability and installing themselves as truth-tellers in a society where experts can’t be trusted. T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025 Meanwhile, safe havens like gold and silver are surging — another sign that investors are hedging against geopolitical instability. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 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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