INSTABILITY Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

instability

noun

ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē

Definition of instability

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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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 After years of political instability that saw five elections between 2019 and 2022, Tueday's election result could help shape Israel's political, security and economic direction for years to come. — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026 Some analysts fear postelection instability in case of a close result. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 The Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for global oil supplies, still remains a concern amid geopolitical instability, AAA said. — Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The bigger risk than any single tariff line is the instability of the policy itself. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 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

Definition of unsteadiness

Noun

Both will, however, face the same economic challenge at home — a worsening fiscal outlook and growing difficulty servicing the country’s debt, as well as increasing economic precariousness among much of the population.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of precariousness

Noun

The film became a symbol of insecurities and anxieties about Chicago’s image, which persist to this day.

— Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
With that in mind, Ultron pushes Thomas to face painful truths about his insecurities over his deadbeat dad and his hunger for Vision’s fatherly love.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of insecurity

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in spite of

instability

install

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Style

“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instability. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of instability

noun

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