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 officer attributed the spike in violence in September to the speed at which the moves occurred and to the general instability that comes whenever a large group of new youth come into a facility.
—
Jason Henry, Daily News, 1 Feb. 2026
At the same time, a frontal boundary will approach from the northwest, increasing atmospheric moisture and instability.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 1 Feb. 2026
The mental health and wellbeing of our youth is among the most pressing issues facing our society today, driven by factors ranging from academic and peer pressures, instability at home, economic uncertainty and overuse of devices.
—Carlos Curbelo, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Crucially, this explains why the few surviving circumbinary planets are found just beyond the instability boundary—close enough to detect, but far enough to avoid catastrophe.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
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Jason Henry, Daily News, 1 Feb. 2026
At the same time, a frontal boundary will approach from the northwest, increasing atmospheric moisture and instability.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 1 Feb. 2026
The mental health and wellbeing of our youth is among the most pressing issues facing our society today, driven by factors ranging from academic and peer pressures, instability at home, economic uncertainty and overuse of devices.
—Carlos Curbelo, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Crucially, this explains why the few surviving circumbinary planets are found just beyond the instability boundary—close enough to detect, but far enough to avoid catastrophe.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 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 4 Feb. 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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