INSTABILITY Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

instability

noun

ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē

Definition of instability

as in unsteadiness

the quality or state of not being firmly fixed in position the instability of the bridge became tragically apparent when it suddenly collapsed

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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.

Recent Examples of instability The fuel can develop instabilities within thousandths of a second. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Egypt seeking to build closer ties with the key US ally as instability spreads across the Gulf. — semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Potamopyrgus antipodarum sits at the heart of that tension between instability and innovation. — Carrie Arnold contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026 Some instability could also lead to stronger storms on Friday. — Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instability

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instability

Noun

Dogs may also experience unsteadiness or lack of coordination, and in severe cases, seizures or coma may occur.

— Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
Unlike dizziness — which causes lightheadedness or unsteadiness — vertigo feels more like spinning.

— Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 27 May 2026

Definition of unsteadiness

Noun

In 2026 Cusk published her most controversial work yet, Life of M, a novel that examines fame, celebrity culture, and the precariousness of identity.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
But an Iranian diplomat promptly rejected this, saying such a visit can only come after a final deal — a denial that highlighted the precariousness of the ongoing negotiations.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026

Definition of precariousness

Noun

McBride, like all good satirists, cranks up the volume of those resentments and insecurities, in the process revealing a new way to see the world.

— T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2026
There is still time for Americans to create a new apogee before America 300 by rejecting the lies, insecurity, and ignorance endemic of the last quarter-century.

— Michael E. Neagle, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of insecurity

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in spite of

instability

install

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“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instability. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of instability

noun

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