instability

noun

in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: the quality or state of being unstable

especially : lack of emotional or mental stability

Synonyms of instability

• unsteadiness
• precariousness
• unstableness
• insecurity

Examples of instability in a Sentence

Investors are worried about the current instability of the stock market.

The patient has a history of emotional instability.

Recent Examples on the Web

Seven games remain until NWSL playoffs The Current’s instability in 2026 has not been limited to the front office. — Pj Green september 11, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2026

The price instability beneficiaries have faced this year also does not bode well for 2027, when inflation is expected to remain around 3%. — Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026

In any case, the procession of masks, roles and stories (or versions of a story) that filter throughout make sense for what is ultimately an actor’s movie about the instability of a life lived as a series of parts. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Leo De Vries, the Athletics’ top-prospect, will undergo surgery to repair right shoulder instability and miss the rest of the minor-league season, the team announced on Wednesday. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for instability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

Kids Definition

instability

noun

in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being unstable

Medical Definition

instability

noun

in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural instabilities

: the quality or state of being unstable

especially : lack of emotional or mental stability