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
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
The fentanyl epidemic suggests that maybe things aren’t really so good here—that instability, violence, and suffering are just below the surface, even though unemployment is under four per cent.
—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2024
Despite international condemnation, the threat remains persistent, highlighting the ongoing instability in Yemen and its impact on global shipping.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Traditionally, poverty and housing instability are considered the top predictors for school absences and Baltimore has both in abundance.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 20 Nov. 2024
Israel’s invasion of Lebanon has displaced a million people and devastated portions of that country’s south, which will generate further instability, not security, for Israel.
—John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instability 
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Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2024
Despite international condemnation, the threat remains persistent, highlighting the ongoing instability in Yemen and its impact on global shipping.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Traditionally, poverty and housing instability are considered the top predictors for school absences and Baltimore has both in abundance.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 20 Nov. 2024
Israel’s invasion of Lebanon has displaced a million people and devastated portions of that country’s south, which will generate further instability, not security, for Israel.
—John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instability
Dictionary Entries Near instability
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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