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

The school had seven different presidents over the previous 13 years — instability that almost cost Southwestern its regional accreditation. — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026

Political instability is the new normal, and the national mood is bleak. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

The 1990s were a period of instability across the country, including in Goma, which saw periods of widespread looting that started with mutinous security forces and during which soldiers terrorized the population. — Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026

Due to the high structural instability risks, the County has established a 150-foot safety perimeter around the building—a distance equal to one and a half times the building's height—based on guidance from structural safety officials. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 12 July 2026