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
Even with external backing, the junta’s reliance on ethnic divisions, coercion, and border partnerships is likely to perpetuate instability and humanitarian suffering through 2026.
—
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Thundersnow can be found where there is relatively strong instability and abundant moisture above the surface, like above a warm front, the NOAA says.
—Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
Usually, these materials cause instability with excessive interaction.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 2025
The suit says the combination of restraint, sedative use and pepper spray caused significant hypoxia, impaired ventilation, respiratory failure, cardiovascular instability and ultimately cardiopulmonary arrest.
—Greg Wehner , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instability
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Thundersnow can be found where there is relatively strong instability and abundant moisture above the surface, like above a warm front, the NOAA says.
—Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
Usually, these materials cause instability with excessive interaction.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 2025
The suit says the combination of restraint, sedative use and pepper spray caused significant hypoxia, impaired ventilation, respiratory failure, cardiovascular instability and ultimately cardiopulmonary arrest.
—Greg Wehner , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 9 Dec. 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 13 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share