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

After World War I, the US Navy operated the Yangtze Patrol, a flotilla of gunboats that protected American interests – including missionaries and oil companies – inside China during a lengthy period of warlordism and instability. —Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026

The solution targets coastal erosion, flooding, and structural instability while addressing plastic waste at scale. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026

The Venezuelan people have endured years of instability, scarcity, and fear. —Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026

Some experts say drawing in foreign investment could take years due to a combination of high costs, political instability and a history of the Venezuelan government nationalizing oil assets. —January 9, CBS News, 9 Jan. 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