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.

But doing so without giving Burnham the chance to stand would mean a new leader would lack "legitimacy", he said - which would end up "extending the instability and uncertainty" in the party.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Sales climbed 5% as the company continues to undergo a turnaround plan amid difficult market conditions due to geopolitical instability.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

Calbee blamed "supply instability for certain raw materials resulting from the escalating tensions in the Middle East".

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

Prolonged instability begins altering behavior across the economy.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

Though the sea itself was a danger to him in the hard weather of the season, that danger and change and instability seemed to him a defense and chance.

From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Vocabulary lists containing instability

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Southeast Asia - High School

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