Thesaurus

unstable

Q: How does the adjective 'unstable' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unstable are capricious , fickle , inconstant , and mercurial . While all these words mean "lacking firmness or steadiness (as in purpose or devotion)," unstable implies an incapacity for remaining in a fixed position or steady course and applies especially to a lack of emotional balance. // too unstable to hold a job

Q: When can 'capricious' be used instead of 'unstable'?

The synonyms capricious and unstable are sometimes interchangeable, but capricious suggests motivation by sudden whim or fancy and stresses unpredictability. // an utterly capricious critic

Q: When would 'fickle' be a good substitute for 'unstable'?

The words fickle and unstable can be used in similar contexts, but fickle suggests unreliability because of perverse changeability and incapacity for steadfastness. // performers discover how fickle fans can be

Q: When is 'inconstant' a more appropriate choice than 'unstable'?

The words inconstant and unstable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inconstant implies an incapacity for steadiness and an inherent tendency to change. // an inconstant friend

Q: When could 'mercurial' be used to replace 'unstable'?

Although the words mercurial and unstable have much in common, mercurial implies a rapid changeability in mood. // made anxious by her boss's mercurial temperament

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Synonyms & Antonyms of unstable

1 not being in or able to maintain a state of balance

the minute we put the books down on the unstable desk, the whole stack went crashing to the floor

Synonyms for unstable

Words Related to unstable

rocky,
shaky,
tippy,
tipsy,
wavery,
wobbly
(also wabbly),
wonky
[British]

Near Antonyms for unstable

Antonyms for unstable

2 likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly

financial investors don't like an unstable economy

Synonyms for unstable

Words Related to unstable

Phrases Synonymous with unstable

up in the air

Near Antonyms for unstable

Antonyms for unstable

3 not staying constant

unstable temperatures are not ideal storage conditions for wine

Synonyms for unstable

Words Related to unstable

Near Antonyms for unstable

regular

Antonyms for unstable

Frequently Asked Questions About unstable

How does the adjective unstable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unstable are capricious, fickle, inconstant, and mercurial. While all these words mean "lacking firmness or steadiness (as in purpose or devotion)," unstable implies an incapacity for remaining in a fixed position or steady course and applies especially to a lack of emotional balance.

too unstable to hold a job

When can capricious be used instead of unstable?

The synonyms capricious and unstable are sometimes interchangeable, but capricious suggests motivation by sudden whim or fancy and stresses unpredictability.

an utterly capricious critic

When would fickle be a good substitute for unstable?

The words fickle and unstable can be used in similar contexts, but fickle suggests unreliability because of perverse changeability and incapacity for steadfastness.

performers discover how fickle fans can be

When is inconstant a more appropriate choice than unstable?

The words inconstant and unstable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inconstant implies an incapacity for steadiness and an inherent tendency to change.

an inconstant friend