unstable

un·sta·ble

adj \-ˈstā-bəl\

Definition of UNSTABLE

: not stable : not firm or fixed : not constant: as a : not steady in action or movement : irregular <an unstable pulse> b : wavering in purpose or intent : vacillating c : lacking steadiness : apt to move, sway, or fall <an unstable tower> d (1) : liable to change or alteration <an unstable economy> <unstable weather> (2) : readily changing (as by decomposing) in chemical or physical composition or in biological activity e : characterized by lack of emotional control

— un·sta·ble·ness noun

— un·sta·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of UNSTABLE

1. an unstable nuclear reactor core
2. <the minute we put the books down on the unstable desk, the whole stack went crashing to the floor>

First Known Use of UNSTABLE

13th century

Related to UNSTABLE

Synonyms: unbalanced, unsteady

Antonyms: balanced, equilibrated, stabilized, stable, steady

Related Words: rocky, shaky, tippy, tipsy, wavery, wobbly (also wabbly), wonky [British]; infirm, insecure, precarious, unsound; doddering, doddery, jiggling, jiggly, rickety, staggery, teetering, tottering, tottery; askew, awry, cockeyed, lopsided, off-kilter, uneven

Near Antonyms: even, level, straight; sound, sturdy, substantial

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at inconstant

Rhymes with UNSTABLE

disable, enable, instable, pin-table, retable, round table, timetable, turntable, unable, worktable