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

Synonyms of instability

• unsteadiness
• precariousness
• unstableness
• insecurity

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

Rodan-Benzaquen said the anger reflected years of educational instability, frequent ministerial changes and reforms that have failed to resolve persistent school problems. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Saudi Arabia launched a rare media campaign against its neighbor, accusing it of fueling instability in Sudan and Yemen. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

Clinton deepened Washington’s commitment to the North American project, extending a large loan to Mexico during the 1995 peso crisis to prevent economic instability from spilling over into the United States. — Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026

Last month’s elections for the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, produced a predictable pro-Kremlin majority and little sign of social instability. — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for instability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

Kids 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