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
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
Some are known for lethality through sheer kinetic force, while others rely on aerodynamic efficiency, material science, or deliberate instability to maximize damage.
—
Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Blood pressure dynamic instability and neurodegeneration in older adults.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Mali’s ruling junta responded to an al-Qaida affiliate’s fuel blockade by shuttering all schools until mid-November, the latest sign of instability in the West African country.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025
This closeness causes gravitational instability that existing planetary formation models have suggested should result in an environment unsuitable for planet formation.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instability
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.
Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Blood pressure dynamic instability and neurodegeneration in older adults.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Mali’s ruling junta responded to an al-Qaida affiliate’s fuel blockade by shuttering all schools until mid-November, the latest sign of instability in the West African country.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025
This closeness causes gravitational instability that existing planetary formation models have suggested should result in an environment unsuitable for planet formation.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instability
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share