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
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Recent Examples of instability
Dimon’s warning is a reminder that financial innovation can sow the seeds of instability if left unchecked.
—
Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 16 July 2025
One year after Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas in 2017, more than 90% of Gulf Coast residents reported ongoing stress related to housing instability, financial hardship or displacement.
—Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 13 July 2025
She was determined not to let her son’s story end in instability.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 10 July 2025
The duo, who started off as Hollywood actresses seen in films like Tyler Perry’s Duplicity and Lifetime’s The Wrong Cheerleader, share the joy of their ministry journey, which included bouts of mental instability and self-images issues.
—Anaja I. Smith, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for instability
Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 16 July 2025
One year after Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas in 2017, more than 90% of Gulf Coast residents reported ongoing stress related to housing instability, financial hardship or displacement.
—Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 13 July 2025
She was determined not to let her son’s story end in instability.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 10 July 2025
The duo, who started off as Hollywood actresses seen in films like Tyler Perry’s Duplicity and Lifetime’s The Wrong Cheerleader, share the joy of their ministry journey, which included bouts of mental instability and self-images issues.
—Anaja I. Smith, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for instability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instability
Noun
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The episode underscores the precariousness of elite status in Putin’s Russia—and the unpredictable consequences for those who lose the president’s trust.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
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Housing costs, especially for renters, have pushed Florida families into financial precariousness more than any other household expense, said United Way of Florida CEO Melissa Nelson.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2025
Noun
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More than half reported leaving their home countries due to violence, insecurity or threats.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
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Despite gains in the fight against Boko Haram, insecurity and violence spread across the country, stretching Nigeria's underfunded security forces.—
Emmanuel Akinwotu,
NPR,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instability. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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