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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Recent Examples of instability
Patients with Parkinson's disease experience symptoms including problems with movement, tremors, muscle stiffness and instability, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
—
Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
The quarterly surveys by the nonprofit Department of Angels give a limited view of the housing instability that still lingers a year after the fire.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
The sell-off has been driven by persistent instability in software names including Salesforce , CrowdStrike , Palo Alto Networks , and ServiceNow .
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2026
The growing instability of the Seven Kingdoms after centuries of Targaryen dominance.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
The quarterly surveys by the nonprofit Department of Angels give a limited view of the housing instability that still lingers a year after the fire.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
The sell-off has been driven by persistent instability in software names including Salesforce , CrowdStrike , Palo Alto Networks , and ServiceNow .
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2026
The growing instability of the Seven Kingdoms after centuries of Targaryen dominance.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instability
Noun
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The recent private jobs reports released from ADP also showed unsteadiness.—
Steve Kopack,
NBC news,
3 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Aside from the frustration that Matheson felt about the earlier diagnosis, the surgeon’s words served as a reminder about the precariousness of professional football.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
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There, many of Cale’s pet fascinations, like the precariousness of memory and the lacuna between yourself and other people, opened themselves up with a lovely quietness.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Lawler says couples should keep healthy friendships outside of relationships, and that while jealousy and insecurity can be toxic, being protective of what’s important to you in a relationship is a normal reaction.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
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The reports say housing insecurity was the biggest reason for the increase, as people moving out or becoming homeless were not able to keep their pets and then surrendered them to the shelter.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instability. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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