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
Since 1993, thousands of Somali immigrants have fled war and instability in the East African country.
—
Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 5 Dec. 2025
During his arraignment, Rizzo’s defense attorney reportedly requested that he be granted supervised release, citing his persistent housing instability and mental illness.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 4 Dec. 2025
That’s the hypothesis presented in research published December 4 in Communications Earth & Environment, which argues that the eruption triggered several seasons of climate instability and crop failures.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 4 Dec. 2025
It will be specifically designed to work in the extreme challenges of space, including vacuum, microgravity, and thermal instability.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instability
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Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 5 Dec. 2025
During his arraignment, Rizzo’s defense attorney reportedly requested that he be granted supervised release, citing his persistent housing instability and mental illness.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 4 Dec. 2025
That’s the hypothesis presented in research published December 4 in Communications Earth & Environment, which argues that the eruption triggered several seasons of climate instability and crop failures.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 4 Dec. 2025
It will be specifically designed to work in the extreme challenges of space, including vacuum, microgravity, and thermal instability.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instability
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.
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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