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

Years of instability Rajic, Dresser's successor, was introduced to OpenAI through Thrive founder Josh Kushner, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who was not authorized to speak on the recruiting process. — Ashley Capoot,kate Rooney, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Her parents recognized her talent, but feared the instability of a musician’s life. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026

And in an era of total tariff instability, surety surrounding supplier relationships is a meaningful benefit for brands, which, over the course of the past year, have sought to tighten their sourcing portfolios while deepening relationships. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026

And the average family is facing hundreds of dollars in additional energy costs as a result of instability caused by the administration’s actions abroad. — Derrick Whiting, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 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