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

The resulting climate of instability and fear meant church communities were constantly on guard against strangers without and enemies within. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

As climate uncertainty and political instability mount, their quest becomes a search for resilience, ancestral wisdom, and survival. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Common ACEs include things like abuse, witnessing or experiencing violence, growing up in a household with substance use or mental health problems, or experiencing instability due to parental separation or a family member being in prison. — Crystal Cederna, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

The fighting, including the seizure of Mekelle’s airport, has drawn calls for de-escalation as tensions with neighboring Eritrea threaten wider instability in the Horn of Africa. — Samuel Getachew, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 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