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
Travelers are also rerouting trips to avoid regions with geopolitical instability, such as the Middle East.
—
Nathan Diller, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Climate experts have argued that snow instability is due to rising temperatures and stronger winds.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Second, instability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border complicates regional connectivity and economic integration initiatives, including projects linked to broader Central and South Asia.
—Rabia Akhtar, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Brent crude oil spiked above $118 a barrel early Thursday—up 60% since February—as the escalating conflict threatens global energy supplies and deepens regional instability.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
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Nathan Diller, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Climate experts have argued that snow instability is due to rising temperatures and stronger winds.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Second, instability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border complicates regional connectivity and economic integration initiatives, including projects linked to broader Central and South Asia.
—Rabia Akhtar, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Brent crude oil spiked above $118 a barrel early Thursday—up 60% since February—as the escalating conflict threatens global energy supplies and deepens regional instability.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 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 25 Mar. 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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