Synonyms of instability

instability

noun

ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

as in unsteadiness

the quality or state of not being firmly fixed in position

the instability of the bridge became tragically apparent when it suddenly collapsed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unsteadiness
• precariousness
• unstableness
• insecurity
• shakiness
• looseness
• unsoundness
• slackness
• changeability
• mutability
• laxness
• inconstancy
• insubstantiality

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stability
• security
• steadiness
• fastness
• soundness
• fixedness
• firmness
• substantiality

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of instability

In any case, the procession of masks, roles and stories (or versions of a story) that filter throughout make sense for what is ultimately an actor’s movie about the instability of a life lived as a series of parts. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Leo De Vries, the Athletics’ top-prospect, will undergo surgery to repair right shoulder instability and miss the rest of the minor-league season, the team announced on Wednesday. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

After years of financial instability, Smith built what TLC describes as a highly successful niche adult platform. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Quenisha Johnson, mother of four — including a third-grader, an eighth-grader and a recent graduate of the school — said her family has experienced housing instability, and the school supports her children with food boxes, supplies and counseling. — Francesca Pinney, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026