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.

United Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said the company is ready to face instability.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

"I worry that we are in for a prolonged period of instability and uncertainty," said Brownstein, "that has important follow-on effects."

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

On Tuesday, industry body Offshore Energies UK said that without more domestic production, the country risks becoming reliant on imports "at a time of rising global instability".

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

That could trigger higher food prices, but also greater food instability, particularly if the closure results in a missed planting season.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 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

instability

Example Sentences

Related Words