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

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of instability Egypt’s economic woes Egypt is weathering soaring inflation, as well as instability from the still-smoldering war in neighboring Gaza. Sam McNeil, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025 Launched in July, the program was initially allocated $100,000 to support individuals and families with low to moderate incomes who face economic instability due to ICE actions, including raids. Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025 Confronted, Sam admits to killing her due to obsession and psychological instability. Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 22 Oct. 2025 At a time of political instability and societal polarization, trust issues are widespread — but brands are emerging as winners. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instability
Noun
  • Adding to the precariousness of her situation, she's had to drive two hours at least once a week to see a specialist in Jackson.
    Katia Riddle, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Filling the gaps Reputable organizations are working to fill the void created by the CDC’s precariousness and the fact that recommendations are now being made based on political will, rather than scientific evidence.
    Jordan Miller, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In Nigeria, for example, states like Borno, Zamfara, and parts of Kaduna and Katsina have experienced ongoing insecurity due to armed insurgent groups and banditry, which can restrict or delay vaccination campaigns.
    Dr. Tunji Funsho, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
  • For men, comfort with being touched was tied to relationship insecurity—those anxious about their relationships were more likely to seek touch for reassurance, while men uncomfortable with closeness tended to dislike being touched themselves.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

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“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instability. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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