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
The Shift Toward Stable Value and Utility The deeper problem is value instability.
—
Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Moisture and instability will return northeastward during the morning and early afternoon, leading to another chance of storms.
—Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 11 June 2026
More than a moral issue, the case risks a reputational crisis that could lead to declining sales, stock volatility, leadership instability and long-term damage to shareholder value, the organizations wrote.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
The criteria include frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, having unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsive behavior, chronic feelings of emptiness, intense anger, emotional instability, paranoia or dissociation under stress, and recurrent suicidal behavior or self-harm.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
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Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Moisture and instability will return northeastward during the morning and early afternoon, leading to another chance of storms.
—Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 11 June 2026
More than a moral issue, the case risks a reputational crisis that could lead to declining sales, stock volatility, leadership instability and long-term damage to shareholder value, the organizations wrote.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
The criteria include frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, having unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsive behavior, chronic feelings of emptiness, intense anger, emotional instability, paranoia or dissociation under stress, and recurrent suicidal behavior or self-harm.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 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 16 Jun. 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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