instability

[in-stuh-bil-i-tee] / ˌɪn stəˈbɪl ɪ ti /

NOUN

imbalance, inconstancy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anxiety fluctuation insecurity uncertainty volatility vulnerability weakness

STRONG

alternation capriciousness changeability changeableness disequilibrium disquiet fickleness fitfulness flightiness fluidity frailty hesitation immaturity impermanence inconsistency inquietude irregularity irresolution mutability oscillation pliancy precariousness restlessness shakiness transience unpredictability unreliability unsteadiness vacillation variability wavering

WEAK

unfixedness

Antonyms

STRONG

calm

WEAK

balance constancy soundness stability steadfastness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said that Kabila has offered "financial and political support" to groups that are "the principal drivers of violence and instability in the region."

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

These are significantly higher than the rates among women earning lower six-figure salaries, suggesting instability at an early age can light a fire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

According to the study, their disappearance likely resulted from a combination of climate instability, population pressures, and social structure.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

However, a zone of cold air high in the atmosphere has been drifting overhead causing instability, allowing shower clouds to bubble up.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

Scientists now accept instability of volcanoes as a major hazard.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

Vocabulary lists containing instability

Southeast Asia - Middle School

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Southeast Asia - High School

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Second Democratic Debate 20 words

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