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

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 Xenophobic unrest in South Africa has become a painful cost of doing business, executives warned, signalling that companies are bracing for prolonged instability in a country eager to draw fresh investment. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 10 July 2026 We are further grieved by continuing violence and instability in the Middle East, including the recent conflict involving Iran and its widening humanitarian consequences. — Killingly-Brooklyn Interfaith Council, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 The greater the instability, the greater the chance for lightning, Gass said. — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 Lebanese director Karim Kassem remains one of the most prolific directors in the MENA region despite the sociopolitical instability of his home country of Lebanon. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for instability

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instability

Noun

Unlike dizziness — which causes lightheadedness or unsteadiness — vertigo feels more like spinning.

— Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 27 May 2026
Those dates were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later canceled following Dion's 2022 diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that includes rigidity and stiffness of certain areas of the body, causing unsteadiness, slower movements and difficulties walking.

— Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026

Definition of unsteadiness

Noun

But an Iranian diplomat promptly rejected this, saying such a visit can only come after a final deal — a denial that highlighted the precariousness of the ongoing negotiations.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
The shift isn’t merely spatial but symbolic, representing what Yeon sees as the precariousness of human civilization itself.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2026

Definition of precariousness

Noun

As cyber insecurity rises and trust declines, protecting brand perception becomes a critical, measurable part of managing operational risk.

— Jon Michail, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Bell also spoke of the importance of prioritizing communication in their relationship — especially during moments of fear or insecurity.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

Definition of insecurity

Browse Nearby Words

in spite of

instability

install

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instability. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of instability

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on instability

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

bibelot

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes