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 bottom line Savers will earn hundreds of dollars in interest with a $40,000 3-month CD now all while gaining a reprieve from today's market instability. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Those movies are seen as part of an ongoing disempowering of the Haitian peoples, who have been continually hobbled by occupiers, imposed foreign debts and political instability. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 July 2026

If uncertainty has become the operating environment, then leadership is no longer about eliminating instability. — Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Others like Vorbe became the targets of public accusations and Haitian bloggers linking them to instability and violence. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 30 July 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