instability

noun

in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce instability (audio)
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially : lack of emotional or mental stability

Example Sentences

Investors are worried about the current instability of the stock market. The patient has a history of emotional instability.
Recent Examples on the Web Bones is the fourth of Hobbs' top advisers to leave the administration within the first six months, adding to instability at the highest level of government. Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 25 May 2023 Such instabilities, akin to miniature solar flares, can bring the plasma into contact with the walls, damaging them. Philip Ball, Scientific American, 16 May 2023 The report comes after three recent bank failures that were spurred by classic bank runs, with skittish depositors withdrawing their money amid concerns that instability at the banks would leave those with more than $250,000 in deposits with big losses. CBS News, 1 May 2023 But Richardson’s youth and inexperience, the Gators’ coaching instability and underwhelming supporting cast, and his generational athleticism at his position will be too tempting to pass up for a franchise with looming quarterback needs. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2023 The 1980s offer a better perspective on our current banking instability. Charles W. Calomiris And Phil Gramm, WSJ, 28 Mar. 2023 For decades after World War II, restrictions on global capital flows and strict regulation of domestic finance kept instability risks in check. David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2023 The Federal Reserve is raising its key interest rate by 0.25%, continuing on its crusade against inflation while warning that recent instability in the banking sector could weigh on the economy. Rob Wile, NBC News, 22 Mar. 2023 The heavier showers are likely to contain hail or graupel as cold air aloft and instability kick up stronger showers and possibly thunderstorms. oregonlive, 21 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instability was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near instability

Cite this Entry

“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

instability

noun
in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce instability (audio)
: the quality or state of being unstable

Medical Definition

instability

noun
in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce instability (audio)
plural instabilities
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially : lack of emotional or mental stability

More from Merriam-Webster on instability

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!