Definition of instabilitynext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The report also links greater AI adoption with both higher throughput and elevated instability. — Jay Singh, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Strong winds throughout the atmosphere will create significant wind shear, while the return of warmer, more humid air provides the instability needed for thunderstorms. — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Those with significant neck or back problems, spinal instability or recent orthopedic injuries may be more vulnerable to worsening pain or additional injury. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 There was even industry chatter at the time that the instability and poor reception surrounding ESPN's broadcasts affected the quality of games the NFL scheduled for Monday Night Football. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instability
Noun
  • Dogs may also experience unsteadiness or lack of coordination, and in severe cases, seizures or coma may occur.
    — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
  • Unlike dizziness — which causes lightheadedness or unsteadiness — vertigo feels more like spinning.
    — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • The dehumanization of Black people represented by the persistence of Confederate iconography in mainstream culture became an underground signifier of the precariousness of the freedoms enshrined by the 14th Amendment.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • This precariousness of the career path is driving younger generations to seek more reliable employment.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Such a gamble could deepen Israel’s insecurity, but electoral desperation seldom improves anyone’s judgment.
    — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • But beneath his optimism was a coach who understood how to bring out the best in people—even when that meant confronting their insecurities, calling out bad behavior, and demanding better.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instability. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster