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
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
While educators have always been a stabilizing force in our schools, that level of instability in our district and within its leadership forced myself and my fellow officers’ first year of leadership in the union to become that much stronger that much faster.
—
Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
In collaboration with the Robotics & AI Institute, the robot has been subjected to complex full-body motions—including dynamic locomotion, aerial maneuvers, and recovery from instability—to stress-test its software stack.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026
According to the Refugee Council, many of those arriving by small boat originate from countries experiencing war, persecution or political instability, including Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, Iran and Sudan.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
Instead, a combination of internal disputes, instability around Alvaro Arbeloa’s position and the fact that several players are facing an uncertain future means the picture is one of discord and despondency.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 5 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
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Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
In collaboration with the Robotics & AI Institute, the robot has been subjected to complex full-body motions—including dynamic locomotion, aerial maneuvers, and recovery from instability—to stress-test its software stack.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026
According to the Refugee Council, many of those arriving by small boat originate from countries experiencing war, persecution or political instability, including Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, Iran and Sudan.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
Instead, a combination of internal disputes, instability around Alvaro Arbeloa’s position and the fact that several players are facing an uncertain future means the picture is one of discord and despondency.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 5 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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