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
Their forest homes are increasingly threatened by human activities, political instability and the climate crisis.
—
Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025
Although much of the country’s instability is rooted in its internal fractiousness and troubled transition from monarchy to republican democracy, many Nepalis believe India’s meddling has deepened their endemic political crisis.
—Muhib Rahman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
When brands cancel partnerships over controversies—like Huda Beauty’s decision to cut ties with influencer Huda Mustafa after a racial slur incident—the fallout exposes the moral instability of the entire ecosystem.
—Taylor Crumpton, Time, 12 Nov. 2025
In closing, the gallery joins a wave of others that have shuttered on both coasts in recent months as the art economy contends with changing tastes and buying patterns, steep US tariffs, and global financial, political, and social instability.
—News Desk, Artforum, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instability
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Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025
Although much of the country’s instability is rooted in its internal fractiousness and troubled transition from monarchy to republican democracy, many Nepalis believe India’s meddling has deepened their endemic political crisis.
—Muhib Rahman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
When brands cancel partnerships over controversies—like Huda Beauty’s decision to cut ties with influencer Huda Mustafa after a racial slur incident—the fallout exposes the moral instability of the entire ecosystem.
—Taylor Crumpton, Time, 12 Nov. 2025
In closing, the gallery joins a wave of others that have shuttered on both coasts in recent months as the art economy contends with changing tastes and buying patterns, steep US tariffs, and global financial, political, and social instability.
—News Desk, Artforum, 12 Nov. 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 18 Nov. 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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