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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instability
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
With recent coups across West and Central Africa, the risk of instability here looms large.
—NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
This structural instability is the root of its malfunction.
—New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instability
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
With recent coups across West and Central Africa, the risk of instability here looms large.
—NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
This structural instability is the root of its malfunction.
—New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instability
Noun
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Adding to the precariousness of her situation, she's had to drive two hours at least once a week to see a specialist in Jackson.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
2 Oct. 2025
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Filling the gaps Reputable organizations are working to fill the void created by the CDC’s precariousness and the fact that recommendations are now being made based on political will, rather than scientific evidence.—
Jordan Miller,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In Nigeria, for example, states like Borno, Zamfara, and parts of Kaduna and Katsina have experienced ongoing insecurity due to armed insurgent groups and banditry, which can restrict or delay vaccination campaigns.—
Dr. Tunji Funsho,
Time,
24 Oct. 2025
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For men, comfort with being touched was tied to relationship insecurity—those anxious about their relationships were more likely to seek touch for reassurance, while men uncomfortable with closeness tended to dislike being touched themselves.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instability. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
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