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

Synonyms of instability

• unsteadiness
• precariousness
• unstableness
• insecurity

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

About 350,000 Haitian nationals in the United States face the risk of being returned to a country that is engulfed in extreme gang violence, widespread hunger and political instability. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026

Activists say the move could force families into hiding and criticized the return of individuals to a country facing significant instability. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 26 June 2026

The high court also allowed his administration to end deportation for migrants fleeing instability and armed conflict on Thursday. — Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026

Geopolitical situations, wars, tariffs and economic instability all add to business costs, but before passing costs on to customers, leaders should ask where the business is leaking value today. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for instability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

Kids 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