Definitions

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.

Instability in Bangladesh would also affect the region’s largest economy, India, which has battled both Bangladesh-based terrorist groups and insurgents in India’s sensitive northeastern states.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Instability in employment is mirrored in the home — those with ACEs have lower rates of marriage and higher rates of divorce.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 2, 2025

Instability is antithetical to America’s and the world’s economic stability.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2025

Instability plus private armies is a dangerous cocktail.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2023

Instability, in-sta-bil′i-ti, n. want of steadiness or firmness: inconstancy, fickleness: mutability.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

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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